A basic human right

Hunger in North Korea is a reality that many of its citizens know quite well, while its leaders on the other hand haven’t felt. Millions are suffering from severe malnutrition, according to The Economist, but some question whether or not the country is getting help where it already had plenty. Yoon Sang-hyen of the South Korean Grand National Party, insists that North Korea, in actuality, holds 1 million tons of rice and is using other countries to bring in food. South Korean’s unification minister has voiced his opinion that perhaps North Korea is overplaying the hunger of its people for political gain.

Those working in the North though, insist that the situation is really very severe and denying aid may very likely result in retaliation.

According to the Council on Foreign Relations, North Korea would be in a much different food situation if the leadership would not have cut spending on importing food.

Wherever the truth lies, the fact is millions of North Koreans are hungry. Whether or not their government has food stored or not, millions will die if outside aid does not come with food supplies. Having an adequate supply of food is a basic human right that the leaders of North Korea are with out a doubt violating. As of the beginning of June, the Obama administration was still deciding whether or not they would supply aid.

http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2011/s3253989.htm

http://www.cfr.org/north-korea/north-korea-food-aid-dilemma/p25189

http://www.economist.com/node/18682803