“…increase in child mortality resulted from acute food shortages combined with heightened morbidity and reduced capacity of the health system to manage childhood illness, caused by a severe shortage of essential drugs and general degradation of health infrastructure and water and sanitation systems.” – UNICEF

“Today, the nationwide food shortage still persists in North Korea. Agricultural production remains low due to a combination of factors—a shortage of critical farming inputs such as fertilizer, fuel, and pesticides; the deterioration of industrial plants and the shutting down of industries…” – World Vision

Today, many children in North Korea suffer because of malnutrition, diarrhea, and respiratory infections which lead to a high rate of early deaths.

In schools, students are not provided with even the most basic supplies such as paper because of the country’s economic difficulties.

Children – especially girls – cannot attend school regularly because they scavenge for food and firewood to support their families.

International organizations such as UNICEF and World Vision attempt to assess the needs of these children by creating programmes to enhance education, strengthen learning, repair dilapidated schools, and improve sanitation and nutrition. However, such goals are met with impeding problems.

Programmes formed for the welfare of these children are seriously underfunded.

According to UNICEF’s donor update (Updated May 12, 2006), only 8.3% of the required funds have been provided for. UNICEF still needs $10,267,072 to address health, water & sanitation, and education.

So far, no donations have been given for the area of education.

The most important thing to remember is that children should not be regarded politically. We need to know and remember that not a single child was represented or given a voice in the conflicts that have led to the suffering he or she must endure everyday.

These children don’t need any more antagonism or bitterness.

They need loving support from each person.

They need to know that the world cares.

This is the only way barriers will break and hostilities will disappear.