Published: 3 December 2002
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is concerned that the suspension of heavy fuel supplies to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) from this month, may have a negative impact on the lives of people facing another difficult winter.
The country already suffers from a severe fuel shortage that is costing lives and is responsible for a high incidence of acute respiratory infections in winter-time as people are unable to keep warm. A lack of transport fuel is also affecting the ability of humanitarian organizations to deliver much-needed relief assistance, including food supplies, to the most vulnerable sections of society in the DPRK. In a country that is experiencing severe food shortages, this situation is to be regretted even more so as this year's crop harvest is believed to be good.
At the 6th Red Cross Red Crescent Asia Pacific Conference in Manila in late November, the International Federation joined with other international organizations in asking that the delivery of relief supplies to the people of DPRK be facilitated on humanitarian grounds, rather than impeded.
In line with its general policy on the imposition of a regime of sanctions or restrictions anywhere in the world, the International Federation urges the international community to take full account of the humanitarian consequences that can affect the most vulnerable amongst the civilian population.
The International Federation recognizes the valuable contributions made by organizations and donors to its humanitarian endeavours in the DPRK, including Red Cross Societies particularly of the Republic of Korea, Japan, Norway and Sweden, working in close conjunction with the DPRK Red Cross. Taking into account the severe humanitarian needs in the DPRK, the International Federation will be allocating nearly 17 per cent of its 2003 annual appeal for the Asia Pacific region to health and water sanitation projects in the DPRK. This includes the provision of fuel for heating community clinics and hospitals.For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact:
Denis McClean, Head, Media Service - Tel: + 41 22 730 44 28 / + 41 79 217 33 57
Media Service duty phone - Tel: + 41 79 416 38 81