FAO Calls for More N. Korean Aid

ROME - May 27/05 - SNS -- There is not enough food available to cover the next two months needs of the 3.8 million North Koreans at most risk because of a slump in donations for the FAO's emergency operation, the United Nations agency warned today.

"This downturn in donations has resulted in a critical shortfall for our operation. It will aggravate the considerable suffering of the DPRK's most vulnerable children, women and elderly people," said Tony Banbury, WFP's Regional Director for Asia.

"By August, just 12,000 children in hospitals and orphanages will be receiving WFP cereals. It's never been this bad. We need fresh pledges now if our efforts to alleviate hunger and reduce malnutrition are not to be seriously compromised."

By far the largest humanitarian agency in the DPRK, this year WFP appealed for 504,000 metric tons (MT) of commodities, valued at US$202 million, to help feed 6.5 million North Koreans. So far it has secured 230,000 MT -- almost all now consumed.

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