§ Mr. Donald AndersonTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the current humanitarian situation in North Korea. [43712]
§ Clare ShortThe report of the UK-led European Union Technical Mission to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and discussions at the United Nations326W Development Programme (UNDP) Round Table on DPRK in May indicate that nutrition has improved and the immediate emergency has abated. However there are selective humanitarian needs, especially in health, and the population remains at risk from possible future disasters. My Department is discussing with relevant authorities in DPRK, UN agencies and partners in the European Union how targeted support can help to promote sustainable recovery and reduce future vulnerability. I will place a copy of the report on this mission in the Library.
§ Mr. Donald AndersonTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what revision of her current policies towards North Korea will result from the recent visit to that country by officials from her Department leading an EU team. [43713]
§ Clare ShortI have considered the report of the UK-led Technical Mission and the conclusions of the United Nations Development Programme Round Table on Agricultural Recovery and Environmental Protection (AREP). The emphasis for future assistance to North Korea is to support a transition from food aid dependency to food security and rehabilitation of the rural sector within the context of promoting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. We will support a common European Union approach to target assistance to help poor households, reduce vulnerability to future disasters, promote confidence and trust between North Korea and the outside world and gain greater access for international agencies to implement their humanitarian activities more effectively. We support the implementation of the European Commission's 1998 programme. In addition we will consider proposals for support from NGOs and UN agencies, within the above framework. I will place a copy of the report on this mission in the Library.