Korea, Democratic People's Republic (DPRK)

In July 2012 WFP resumed its “Nutrition Support to Women and Children in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK)” operation, which seeks to combat continued hunger and undernutrition among children and their mothers, and restore and rebuild livelihoods. WFP’s operation targets 2.4 million of the most vulnerable women and children – as well as food insecure families – in the most food-insecure parts of the country.

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Overview

The ’new’ operation initially started in July 2010, but was suspended in April the following year when WFP launched an emergency operation to address sudden increased needs following one of the most bitter winters in living memory, and a squeeze on commercial imports and bilateral food assistance.

The resumed operation has now been extended in time to June 2013, and is targeting more women and children than previously – about 2.4 million in total. WFP operations will now extend to 85 counties, instead of the 65 targeted in 2010.

The October 2011 Crop and Food Security Assessment Mission (CFSAM) confirmed the continuing need for food assistance to vulnerable groups in DPR Korea. The CFSAM recommended a continued focus on addressing the lack of dietary diversity and consequent malnutrition through the distribution of Super Cereals and other types of nutritional supplements for the most vulnerable.

WFP’s operation will be implemented under stringent monitoring conditions which include immediate permission for missions to access all parts of the operational chain, access to markets and state shops, and the use of Korean speakers.