UNICEF: The Lives of North Korean Children Face a Serious Threat

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has expressed serious concern in a recent report regarding the dangers posed to the lives of children in North Korea following a recent drought, calling for immediate action to save them. On July 8, UNICEF stated that diarrhea among young citizens in crisis-hit areas of North Korea has clearly increased due to the drought. At the same time, the problem of access to clean water and public health, which was already inadequate, has worsened. North Korea is facing widespread drought, which it claims is unprecedented in the last 100 years. UNICEF is also concerned that the high number of malnourished children will exacerbate the new dangers arising from the unprecedented drought. Reports indicate that studies from 2012 show that one-quarter of all children in North Korea suffer from malnutrition. Malnutrition alone is considered by the World Health Organization to be the leading cause of death among children, accounting for half of all child fatalities. According to Reuters, malnourished children in North Korea have lower resistance to waterborne diseases and other illnesses. AFP quoted Daniel Toole, UNICEF's East Asia director, stating that 'it is an emergency. But if we act now by delivering basic needs and essentials, we can save many lives.' Mr. Toole warned that delays in delivering necessary supplies could endanger many children's lives. However, another challenge is delivering aid to North Korea, a highly closed and sanctioned country. The UNICEF East Asia director noted that there is no specific program in that country aimed at collecting aid for children. Nevertheless, UNICEF has proposed immediate aid measures, such as water purification tablets for drinking or nutritional supplements for children who are most at risk.