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Country analysis

DPRK

Political and economic factors, as well as natural hazards, drive the humanitarian situation in the DPRK. Movement restrictions, chronic food insecurity and limited access to goods and basic services, such as healthcare and clean water, have left more than ten million people in need of humanitarian assistance.

Information gaps on the general situation within the country and limited humanitarian access make it difficult to carry out regular assessments of humanitarian needs and key priorities, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite exemptions for humanitarian aid, international sanctions have resulted in shortages of humanitarian funding, supplies, and personnel, delaying project implementation.

The DPRK is witnessing an increase in the frequency and severity of climate-related disasters, and it has seen its greatest drought and longest rainy season in more than a century during the past several years. From August–September 2020, it experienced one of its wettest periods since 1981 resulting from extensive rainfall and three typhoons. Flooding severely affected the main agricultural producing area – the south – disrupting the harvest season and resulting in the depletion of reserve grains.

In September 2019, Tropical Cyclone Lingling destroyed farmlands in North and South Hwanghae and South Hamgyong provinces – the same areas that the 2020 flooding also affected later. The impact of natural hazards also contributes to high food insecurity in the country.

(CFR 16/07/2019, UNICEF 13/02/2020, Global Agricultural Monitoring 09/10/2020, IFRC 12/03/2020, USIP 22/09/2022).

Political and economic factors, as well as natural hazards, drive the humanitarian situation in the DPRK. Movement restrictions, chronic food insecurity and limited access to goods and basic services, such as healthcare and clean water, have left more than ten million people in need of humanitarian assistance.

Information gaps on the general situation within the country and limited humanitarian access make it difficult to carry out regular assessments of humanitarian needs and key priorities, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite exemptions for humanitarian aid, international sanctions have resulted in shortages of humanitarian funding, supplies, and personnel, delaying project implementation.

The DPRK is witnessing an increase in the frequency and severity of climate-related disasters, and it has seen its greatest drought and longest rainy season in more than a century during the past several years. From August–September 2020, it experienced one of its wettest periods since 1981 resulting from extensive rainfall and three typhoons. Flooding severely affected the main agricultural producing area – the south – disrupting the harvest season and resulting in the depletion of reserve grains.

In September 2019, Tropical Cyclone Lingling destroyed farmlands in North and South Hwanghae and South Hamgyong provinces – the same areas that the 2020 flooding also affected later. The impact of natural hazards also contributes to high food insecurity in the country.

(CFR 16/07/2019, UNICEF 13/02/2020, Global Agricultural Monitoring 09/10/2020, IFRC 12/03/2020, USIP 22/09/2022).

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Latest updates on country situation

23 May 2023

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is likely facing a food crisis caused by worsening shortages resulting from long-term border closures, adverse weather, and economic sanctions. In March 2023, the country requested assistance from WFP, which could not be provided given disagreements around access. Before the COVID-19 border closures (2019–2021), approximately 42% of the population were malnourished, and an estimated 11–16 million people (40–60% of the population) were food-insecure. In 2022, the number of food-insecure people was estimated to increase to 60% of the population. In the same year, agricultural output declined by 3.8%, with adverse weather significantly affecting crops, especially rice production (which declined by 4.2%). Trade with China decreased by up to 90% in 2021 compared to 2019. The current situation is likely dire, as the lack of imports, including agricultural inputs, and the decline in food production have created significant price increases and food scarcity. Continued access restrictions make assessment data difficult to obtain.
(RFA 23/05/2023,
RDA South Korea 15/12/2022,
GRFC 2023)

current crises
in DPRK

These crises have been identified through the INFORM Severity Index, a tool for measuring and comparing the severity of humanitarian crises globally.

Read more about the Index

PRK001 - Complex crisis

Last updated 30/08/2023

Drivers

Socio-political
Floods
Other seasonal event
Food Security

Crisis level

Country

Severity level

3.7 High

Access constraints

3.0

Analysis products
on DPRK

DPRK: Humanitarian needs in the context of COVID-19

15 June 2022

DPRK: Humanitarian needs in the context of COVID-19

DOCUMENT / PDF / 714 KB

This report aims to provide an overview of the complex humanitarian crisis in the DPRK. It also reports on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the population, the humanitarian response in the country, and ensuing needs.

COVID-19
DPRK: floods

13 September 2016

DPRK: floods

DOCUMENT / PDF / 336 KB

Major flooding in northeastern DPRK, primarily in North Hamgyong province, has affected 600,000 people, left 140,000 in urgent need of assistance, and displaced 107,000. 395 people are missing, and 133 have died. Considerable damage to vital health, water, and transport infrastructure leaves much of the affected population without shelter and vulnerable to waterborne diseases and food insecurity.

Natural hazards
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