＜Inside N. Korea＞Hunger Crisis: As 'Starving Spring' Approaches, Kim Jong-un's Regime Begins Surveying ' Households in Food Crisis'…UN Agency Reports: "45.5% of Population, 11.8 Million People Suffering from Malnutrition"

◆Self-reliance for Food Impossible; Dependence on Authorities and Officials Grows

Despite efforts to earn money, strict government regulations on trade and private employment have virtually eliminated ways for residents to generate income. As a result, people have developed a tendency to rely completely on the government or officials, according to Informant A.

"Everyone says times were better when they could make a living by trading in markets, but when people face starvation, some just endure hunger without trying, believing the state will help them. Officials face accountability issues if starvation deaths occur among the 'households in food crisis' under their supervision. Among the destitute, some flatter and ingratiate themselves to officials as if they were kings, hoping to receive a few kilograms of corn if they ask."

◆UN Agency Reports: "45.5% of Population, 11.8 Million People Suffering from Malnutrition"

According to a recent report submitted to the UN Human Rights Council by Elizabeth Salmon, UN Special Rapporteur on North Korean Human Rights, the malnutrition rate among North Korean citizens is estimated to have averaged 45.5% over three years since 2020, affecting approximately 11.8 million people. This represents a deterioration compared to pre-2019 levels.

The primary factor behind this severe deterioration in nutritional status is believed to be the Kim Jong-un regime's restrictions on individual economic activities.

※ ASIAPRESS communicates with its reporting partners through Chinese cell phones smuggled into North Korea.