Introduction

introimg.gifCI‐DPRK Program was
created by  the
International Federation of
the Caritas Organizations
(Caritas internationalis) in
the middle of the nineties
as a response to the
worsening situation of
living circumstances in
North Korea (officially
called Democratic
Peoples Republic of
Korea ‐ DPRK).

Caritas Corea was entrusted by the Catholic Church in South Korea with its engagement in relief, development and social services. End of 2006 it received the mandate as a facilitating partner for the international Caritas network to coordinate the CI‐DPRK‐Program.

The present CI‐DPRK‐Program responds to the needs of the most affected groups in the prevailing chronic humanitarian crisis. It profiles the interests of a Caritas organization in long term social development and broadens previous program activities by considering a regional focus and South Korean local structural resources.

For 2009 it is proposed to continue the activities in the former strategical aid program areas.

1. Direct food aid and agricultural inputs for food production will be provided to deal with the critical nutritional status of accessible vulnerable groups like sick persons, children and elderly persons in state run institutions.

2. To assist selected health centers in improving their services. Especially to deal with the challenges of a prominent mounting crisis in the treatment of tuberculosis (multi-drug resistance).

3. To develop activities of pilot character in the cooperation with local social service providers for elderly persons and persons with disabilities. Additionally to develop partnerships in the educational and training field with the perspective for a long term cooperation.

4.Parallel to the activities with local cooperative structures the program intents to expand its relations in the aid network sharing information and experiences and to strengthen its fundraising activities.

Since its beginning CI‐DPRK Program provided assistance to a large number of Northkorean individuals and institutions up to a total value of 33 Million US‐Dollars. This was possible thanks to many international Caritas and other aid organizations.

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