(Via. OFK) How do you distribute over a ton of supplies in NK without any authorities noticing?

The operation to distribute emergency supplies in Hamgyong-bukto, North Korea was a success. Through one of our clandestine local networks, we were able to provide extremely needy people with a total of one ton of rice, as well as clothing and antibiotics. The value of all items supplied equaled 300,000 yen (about US$2,500). The extra supplies were financed by recent donations. Late November of last year, five members of LFNKR’s local group JYO entered Hoeryong-si, North Korea from China, carrying several boxes filled with winter clothing, antibiotics and penicillin.

To avoid indefinite delays at customs, bribes had to be paid to the North Korean customs personnel. Beyond the customs gate, many hungry day workers waited, hoping to earn money by carrying boxes. The JYO members had to keep a firm grip on their supplies so they wouldn’t be snatched away. The rescue team stayed in Hoeryong-si 10 days completing the mission.

Their mission reveals the breakdown of control in many outskirts and attempts to cut them out of the system. Despite these problems, people are able to survive by relying on trading. It’s almost suggesting that free trade is better than relying on the government for survival. Wonder where that idea came from?

An uninspiring name, but it’s a “Abduction and North Korea related news collection”. It’s perfect for looking for news in the Japanese press and translations of English articles. If you understand Japanese, check it out.

Some 3000 people have been affected and there are 4 confirmed deaths

The U.N. children’s fund – UNICEF – is planning a mass measles vaccination campaign in North Korea to try to prevent a measles epidemic from spreading throughout the country. Lisa Schlein reports for VOA from Geneva.

UNICEF logo
UNICEF spokesman Damien Personnaz tells VOA the children’s agency heard rumors in November that outbreaks of measles were occurring in North Korea. But he says the North Korean ministry of health confirmed this only two days ago.

He says this gives UNICEF little time to prevent the outbreak from spreading because it will take UNICEF at least 10 days to get the vaccines, the syringes and other necessary materials in place.

Personnaz says the measles immunization campaign cannot go ahead until all these elements are together.

(Stats in Yonhap)