‘Many Lives at Stake’ in Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Says Secretary-General of ‘Needs and Priorities’ Document

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General notes with concern the 2015 Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Needs and Priorities document to be presented to Member States tomorrow in Geneva by the United Nations country team in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.  He appreciates the engagement between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s authorities and the United Nations in its preparation.  The document provides an overview of the urgent humanitarian priorities in the country this year in the areas of food and agriculture, health and nutrition, water and sanitation, as well as disaster preparedness.

Many lives are at stake, including of children who suffer from chronic malnutrition.  The life-saving operations of the United Nations in the country remain drastically underfunded.  The United Nations urgently needs $111 million in 2015 to fund its humanitarian operations to address the protracted and serious needs.  The Secretary-General calls on prospective donors to respond generously and quickly to this serious situation.