By Stephanie Nebehay

GENEVA (Reuters). – North Korea is now at greatest risk from starvation as it has fallen further into isolation following the COVID-19 Pandemic. U.N. Sanctions imposed for North Korea’s nuclear and missile programme should be relaxed, a U.N. Rights Investigator said in Reuters.

A worsening humanitarian crisis could become a crisis, and it coincides with a global “creeping inapathy” over the dire situation of North Korean peoples, according to Tomas Ojea Quintana (UN special rapporteur for human rights in North Korea),

In a final report to U.N. General Assembly to be presented Oct. 22, he stated, “Sanctions imposed UN Security Council should being reviewed and eased whenever necessary to facilitate humanitarian and livesaving assistance as well to promote the right to an appropriate standard of living for ordinary citizens.”

North Korea doesn’t recognize Ojea Quintana’s mandate nor cooperates with him. The mission to Geneva didn’t immediately reply to our request for comment. Pyongyang’s government does not accept foreign media questions.

In June, Leader Kim Jong Un stated that the food situation is “tense” due to natural disasters in the past year. He also acknowledged the sacrifices made by citizens during the pandemic. Officials from North Korea called the U.N.’s report on child malnutrition “a sheer lie” in April.

North Korea did not report any COVID-19 related cases. They have imposed stringent anti-virus measures such as border closings and travel restrictions domestically.

Ojea Quintana explained that North Koreans that rely heavily on the commercial activity along their border with China have seen their incomes drop, adding that sanctions are compounding the problem.

“People’s access to food is a serious concern and the most vulnerable children and elderly are at risk of starvation,” he said, adding that North Koreans “should not have to choose between the fear of hunger and the fear of COVID-19”.

“Essential medicine and medical supplies are scarce and their prices have risen severalfold since they have stopped coming from China. Additionally, humanitarian organizations have not been able to transport medicines or other supplies.”

Ojea Quintana reported that North Korea has been the destination of most diplomats, aid workers and others due to strict travel restrictions as well as a scarcity of basic goods and facilities.

He said that progress in vaccines, water, sanitation, and women’s health was declining.

He stated that the crisis in humanitarian situation is possible and should be avoided.

“CREEPING AATHY”

Additionally, he expressed concern at the “creeping apathy” in international attention to the worsening situation of human rights.

Ojea Quiantana called on the reduction of tensions in the split peninsula, and asked the United States and South Korea “to send clear signals” for renewed diplomacy with the North.

North Korea has conducted a number of weapon tests in recent weeks. These included ballistic missile tests and cruise missiles with nuclear potential.

Ojea Quitana appreciated the U.S. President Joe Biden’s and South Korean President Moon Jae In May’s pledge to resolve North Korea’s rights problems.

He said, “In any future peace negotiations the Republic of Korea should secure commitments that have measurable benchmarks…to a meaningful proces of engagement on the human rights.”

He said that North Koreans remain in detention in political prison camps along with their family members. Some have been freed from work training centers due to lack of food or work.