UN grants sanctions waivers for 17 humanitarian projects in North Korea

The UN Security Council sanctions committee on North Korea has agreed to grant sanctions exemptions for a series of humanitarian aid projects in the isolated country, a diplomatic source said on February 6.

According to the source, cited by Korean media, the UN Security Council’s 1718 Committee, which is responsible for enforcing and monitoring sanctions on Pyongyang, unanimously approved the exemptions on February 5 local time. The waivers cover 17 humanitarian assistance projects led by South Korea, the United States and several international organisations.

The decision followed remarks by a senior South Korean government official who had earlier suggested that a “new development” related to North Korea could emerge “in the next few days.” The comments came after talks in Washington between South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The official described the anticipated move as a “good-faith gesture” that could serve as a starting point for renewed engagement with North Korea.

Procedures for granting sanctions exemptions for humanitarian aid projects in North Korea had remained stalled for months, having been pending since the first half of last year.

By Tamilla Hasanova