Background Information
North Korea is an East Asian country that has been politically and economically isolated from much of the rest of the world since its founding over 70 years ago. It is a single-party state and is currently led by Kim Jong Un. The country has been described as a “hermit kingdom” for its extreme isolationism, and is facing numerous human rights and humanitarian crises. Its nuclear programme and its aggressive stance towards neighbouring South Korea have caused huge tensions in the region, and raised fears of nuclear war.
The United Nations security council, Western powers and regional powers have responded to North Korea’s nuclear testing and its missile launches with economic and diplomatic sanctions, aimed at isolating North Korea and forcing the country to negotiate the elimination of its nuclear weapons. To date, North Korea has refused to comply with these sanctions, and has instead continued to expand its nuclear programme.
Data
According to the United Nations, North Korea’s population is estimated to be around 25.1 million people. It has an official GDP of about $40 billion in 2018, with the GDP per capita being just $1,600. North Korea’s poverty rate is around 10.9%. It is estimated that 11 million people in North Korea need humanitarian assistance. About 80% of households have access to electricity, and over 96% of the population has access to a safe drinking water supply.
North Korea has one of the world’s largest standing armies, totalling over one million active duty personnel. It also has a large arsenal of missiles, both conventional and nuclear, and is estimated to have the world’s fourth-largest stockpile of chemical weapons. In addition, North Korea has so far indicated it will not join any international agreements on non-proliferation or disarmament.
Expert Perspective
Experts from the US, China, South Korea and Japan have all expressed concern about North Korea’s ongoing nuclear programme, and believe that it significantly damages the region’s security. China, in particular, has warned that any further military escalations towards North Korea could lead to a dangerous security situation in the region. According to Chinese president Xi Jinping, “No country should be allowed to throw a region and even the whole world into chaos for selfish gains”.
The UN, meanwhile, has repeatedly emphasised the need for dialogue and negotiations in order to find a peaceful solution to the current tensions. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has repeatedly urged all sides to avoid “any actions that could aggravate already heightened tensions”. He also emphasised the importance of “finding a peaceful solution that addresses the legitimate security and humanitarian concerns of all parties”.
Analysis and Insights
It is clear that the situation in North Korea is an extremely delicate and complex one. This is not only due to the threat of nuclear escalation, but also due to the humanitarian crisis that continues to grip the country. The international community needs to take a unified and collaborative approach to finding a long-term solution to the issue. It needs to recognise the importance of tackling the underlying political, economic and social issues that have led to the current instability in the region.
However, while the international community should remain involved in diplomacy, it is important to not simply focus on applying pressure to North Korea in the form of sanctions or military measures. These steps should be taken in addition to developing a more comprehensive strategy that addresses the problems of poverty and inequality. Such a strategy should include efforts to encourage and support North Korea’s increased engagement with the international community, such as through trade and cultural exchange.
Humanitarian Assistance
One of the best ways to show support for North Korea is through humanitarian assistance. The UN has highlighted the dire humanitarian situation in North Korea, and has identified a number of areas in need of assistance. These include healthcare, nutrition, education, water and sanitation, and access to energy. A number of international NGOs, such as Doctors Without Borders, are active in North Korea, providing medical assistance and other forms of aid.
In addition, the UN and other international organisations are working to support market-led development in North Korea. This includes encouraging trade and investment through providing financial and technical assistance. It is hoped that such efforts will help to improve the economic situation in North Korea, and allow the North Korean people a greater degree of freedom and autonomy.
Regional Powers
Regional powers, such as China and South Korea, have a key role to play in improving the situation in North Korea. China is North Korea’s most important trading partner and has recently taken steps to increase its economic ties with North Korea. South Korea, meanwhile, is committed to pursuing a peace treaty with North Korea, and has sought to build ties through increased exchanges and cultural activities.
Japan, one of the most advanced economies in the region, has also been involved in diplomacy and has provided humanitarian assistance to North Korea, including food and medical aid. Japan has also imposed sanctions on North Korea, including curtailing diplomatic, financial and economic ties.
International Response
The international community also has a role to play in ensuring that North Korea is held accountable for its actions. This includes mutual legal assistance in criminal investigations and civil proceedings, such as sanctions, imposed by the UN security council. In addition, the international community should ensure that North Korea adheres to international human rights agreements and allow for increased access to information and free speech.
Internationally-mediated talks with North Korea have resulted in some progress, with a semblance of stability emerging in the region. North Korea has also taken small steps to open itself up to the international community, allowing foreign diplomats and journalists greater access. However, much more needs to be done in order to ensure that North Korea is held to account and that the situation in the country improves.
