WC
19 July 2012
North Korea’s defiant attitude and military buildup calls into question the role of NGOs (Non-Governmental Organization) in the region. The UN recently reported that two-thirds of the people in North Korea (NDRK) face chronic food shortages, and called for $198 million in humanitarian aid.
In April, Pyongyang watched as a rocket valued at over $500 million plunged into the ocean moments after liftoff. While the Pyongyang regime funds its military growth, the people of the DPRK people face starvation.
NGOs have have played an active role in providing aid of all types to the country. However, the efficacy of such programs has been questioned. In a country with little transparency, it is difficult to ensure that aid is reaching the targeted group.
Some organizations disagree. Speaking from Beijing, Dr Wolfgang Jamann said that it is possible to help the people of North Korea without supporting the regime.
As the DPRK remains defiant in the face of UN sanctions, it is time to re-evaluate the role of NGOs in the region.
The Background of NGOs
In 1995, North Korea solicited foreign help in light of severe drought and crop failure. NGOs from around the world offered assistance. By 2001, North Korea received more food aid from the US government than any other country.
American aid was cut in 2003 after Pyongyang announced they were pursuing a uranium enrichment program. This was an attempt by Washington at forcing the wayward regime to be a responsible world denizen.
Cutting aid had little effect, however, as Pyongyang continued to pursue its military goals.
To this day, North Korea actively pursues the development of nuclear arms – oftentimes with the aid of China. Pyongyang’s lack of compliance in curbing its nuclear program has lead to sanctions, but not much has changed.
Sadly enough, military buildup in the DPRK costs an estimated $8 billion, or 25% of its GDP per year.
The lack of transparency in aid delivery mechanisms is a concern for some NGOs operating in the DPRK. It is difficult to measure how much relief reaches the targeted recipients. From the mid 1990’s to 2002, Pyongyang diverted enough food to feed between 3%-15% of its GDP (1).
Welthungerhilfe – the German NGO run by Dr. Jamann, as mentioned above, has developed potato farms and planted over one hundred thousand seedlings in hard hit areas. In addition, this organization has set up greenhouses and aided social institutions such as hospitals. Other NGO’s claim to have had similar measurable success as well.
NGOs, What to Do?
Providing aid to the suffering is morally correct. The question is if this aid is actually supporting one of the most despotic regimes of our times. With the DPRK investing billions on its military and WMD’s, it is hard to justify supplying aid.
North Koreans face chronic food shortages, and one-third of those under five exhibit stunted growth.
Pyongyang blames the worst drought in sixty years for the calamity. Unfortunately, instead of assisting the hungry, they invested in a failed rocket launch.
While many organizations call for aid to the region, others remain skeptical. Opacity within the DPRK precludes measuring long term sustainability of programs.
The reclusive regime in Pyongyang tightly controls the movements and actions the actions of NGO’s. Food distribution mechanisms, too, are tightly controlled. Once aid has been delivered, it is under the care of trusted DPRK officials. Foreign organizations have little to no say about what happens next.
The entire process of providing relief is carefully scripted and little deviation is allowed. This leads to uncertainty in who really benefits from the aid.
Institutions such as Welthungerhilfe have had some success in North Korea. They have built structures and introduced high calorie crops that are limiting the food shortfall. After viewing the results during a six day tour of North Korea, Dr. Jamann claimed that his group is making a difference. By supplying crops and facilities, his group has tangible proof of changes they have brought.
NGO Aid Being Misused
NGOs visiting the DPRK are provided a view of the DPRK that Pyongyang wants the world to see. This vision is often at odds with the grim realities within the region. This lack of openness and accountability have lead other NGOs to pull out of the DPRK entirely.
Some of the needy may benefit, but there is little doubt that aid is being misused. Absent transparency, supplying assistance of any sort, can only serve to help the DPRK regime itself.
North Korea’s military expenditures prolong the humanitarian crisis within the region. Malnutrition and starvation are a constant. This crisis is the result of a regime with little to no regard for its people.
NGO’s have been providing assistance, but the value of such actions has been called into question.
The lack of transparency has led many to question if providing aid to the DPRK is the best option. Foreign entities are not allowed enough freedom to truly assess the benefits of their actions. While many NGO’s claim success, others are less optimistic.
As long as there is no accountability from the DPRK regime, it is difficult to support assistance in the region.
References & Image Credits:
(1) people-fas.org
(2) Impunity Watch
Originally published on TopSecretWriters.com
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