Korean NGOs Translate and Share UN’s Annual DPRK Report, Continuing Efforts to Cooperate with the International Community

Korean NGOs Translate and Share UN’s Annual DPRK Report, Continuing Efforts to Cooperate with the International Community



Led by KSM, Korean NGOs involved in providing humanitarian aid to North Korea from the KNCCK (Korea NGO Council for Cooperation with North Korea) translated the UN’s latest annual report on North Korea and shared it with other civic groups. Along with World Vision Korea, Okedongmu, and Peace3000, KSM endeavored to translate the 37 page report to promote understanding of the current humanitarian situation in North Korea. It was also a part of efforts to strengthen cooperation between Korean NGOs.

The UN’s Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) in the DPRK releases DPR Korea Needs and Priorities every year to address the latest humanitarian situation and corresponding aid programs in North Korea and analyze the various needs and requirements for implementing and sustaining assistance programs. Since 2012, KSM has translated numerous UN reports, including last year’s Needs and Priorities, and occasionally held discussion forums based on their contents.

The annual Needs and Priorities report is an invaluable asset for Korean NGOs in that it provides access to understand the latest goings on in North Korea, especially in a time when Southern NGO's humanitarian initiatives in the North remain in a precarious state. The contents of the report and its conclusions can also serve as a launchpad between the international community and Korean civic society to determine where and how they can further mutual assistance and coordination. Its translation into Korean also pertains to a broad range of KSM’s efforts to pursue this goal by broadening the accessibility of the report to a host of Korean speaking non-English users to join the debate. KSM regularly receives feedback from Korean universities and organizations utilizing the Korean version of this report.

written by Young Min Kim

KSM Intern