Economic Sanctions During Humanitarian Emergencies: The Case of North Korea

ABSTRACT

summary North Korea is experiencing yet another cycle of humanitarian distress. While sanctions are not the primary cause, they are a contributing factor. This essay examines the channels through which sanctions affect the North Korean economy and reaches four conclusions: First, sanctions have contributed to a deterioration of economic performance. Second, the UNSC's 1718 Sanctions Committee should consider a thorough review to identify goods that would warrant blanket humanitarian financial sanctions have raised the risk premium on all financial transac-tions with North Korea;the sanctioning authorities need to do a better job of clarifying transactions permissible under humani-tarian exemptions. Finally, while the global community should reassess its policies, the government of North Korea bears respon-sibility as well. The benefits of sanctions relief will be diminished if North Korea refuses to engage constructively with the tional on a broader range of issues running from basic humanitarian relief to economic reform. Analysis: