The Soviet and Chinese Occupation
North Korea has had many people that have helped the nation over recent years, but few contributed as much as the Soviet and Chinese occupiers. During the Second World War, both occupiers established a close relationship with each other and subsequently, with North Korea. To begin with, the Soviet Union supplied North Korea with funds to finance its industrial and economic sectors, including, but not limited to, energy, housing, transport, defense, communications and telecommunication services. In addition to that, China offered North Korea some military assistance, such as training, weapons and arms.
China’s man on the ground was the North Korean leader, Kim Il-sung who had much of his legitimacy provided by the Chinese and Soviet governments. Meanwhile, the Soviet Union poured in money and military arms, helping to keep the North Korean economy going in spite of the chronic shortages of food, fuel and other essential commodities. This allowed the North Korean government to gain a foothold as a modernizing state.
But despite all of this help, North Korea found itself in financial difficulties during the late 1980s as the Soviet Union began reducing its economic ties. This crisis was only compounded by the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 and the subsequent economic crisis. As a result, North Korea was left with an inadequate economic infrastructure and a desperate need for aid.
United Nations and Other International Organizations
The United Nations, in particular, has been instrumental in providing humanitarian assistance to North Korea. In response to the economic crisis, the United Nations conducted several United Nations Development Programs and World Food Programs in North Korea. These programs helped provide food, medicine, education and other essentials for the vulnerable populations.
The United Nations also provided grants and loans to help North Korea in its efforts to stabilize its economy. This was done through the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration (UNRRA). This organization provided North Korea with additional funds to distribute among the needy population.
In addition to the United Nations, several other international organizations have also provided aid to North Korea. The European Union, International Committee of the Red Cross, and World Bank have all provided financial and material aid to North Korea over the years.
The U.S.
The United States has also played an important role in helping North Korea during its troubles. In 1994, the U.S. provided North Korea with $4.5 billion in humanitarian aid for a variety of purposes, including food, medical supplies, fuel, healthcare, education and infrastructure repairs.
More recently, the U.S. has provided North Korea with fuel and energy support. In 2013, the U.S. provided North Korea with 2 million barrels of oil, $200 million in energy assistance, and $250 million in energy-related investments.
The U.S. has also been involved in negotiations between North Korea and its neighbors. The U.S. has been involved in nuclear non-proliferation talks, as well as negotiations regarding North Korea’s nuclear program. These negotiations have been instrumental in limiting North Korea’s nuclear capabilities and in establishing an effective arms control regime.
South Korea
South Korea has also had a role in helping North Korea in recent years. In 1991, South Korea committed itself to providing assistance to North Korea as part of its Sunshine Policy. This policy was aimed at forging a peaceful reconciliation between North and South Korea.
Under this policy, South Korea provided North Korea with economic assistance in the form of grants and loans. South Korea also provided North Korea with aid in the form of foodstuffs, energy, healthcare and educational materials.
South Korea has also been involved in reunification talks. In 2000, South and North Korea signed the Panmunjom Declaration, which was intended to ensure that the two countries would move towards reunification. Although reunification has yet to occur, the Panmunjom Declaration helped to create a more peaceful environment between the two countries.
Neighboring Countries
North Korea’s other neighbors have also been involved in helping the nation. Most notably, Japan pledged to provide $10 billion in economic, medical and social aid to North Korea during the Six Party Talks in 2008. China has also been involved in providing aid and assistance to North Korea, particularly in terms of humanitarian aid and trade.
Private Organizations and Charities
In addition to governments and international organizations, many private organizations and charities have also been involved in providing aid to North Korea. Organizations such as Oxfam, Amnesty International, and Action Aid have all provided funds, food and medical aid to the needy population in North Korea. Private organizations have also been actively involved in campaigns to help improve human rights in North Korea.
Non-Governmental Organizations
Non-governmental organizations have also been involved in providing aid and assistance to North Korea. Organizations such as Save the Children, Doctors Without Borders, and World Vision have all provided funds and resources to help North Koreans in need.
Non-governmental organizations have also been involved in campaigns and advocacy efforts aimed at improving human rights, promoting democracy and providing assistance to refugees in North Korea. In addition to providing aid and assistance, Non-Governmental Organizations are also actively involved in lobbying governments and international organizations to get their assistance to North Korea.
