The head of the U.N. World Food Program said he plans to visit North Korea, which is facing drought and "a lot of people starving," and will ask for greater access to the secretive nation.
David Beasley said in an interview with The Associated Press late Monday that "we want to make the case very clearly that innocent children should not starve to death."
While the WFP already has a team in North Korea, Beasley said the agency is asking the government to give them more access so the U.N. can ensure that those in need are getting assistance.
Malnutrition is a significant problem in North Korea and many people suffer from chronic malnutrition because of diets lacking in vitamins, minerals, proteins and fats, WFP says.
According to WFP, the U.N. is seeking $52 million for North Korea in 2017, but has received just $15 million.
He didn’t say when his visit would take place, responding with a laugh when asked: "Sooner than you think, maybe."
The U.N. food agency’s work in North Korea aims to provide nutritional support to 650,000 of the most vulnerable pregnant women, new mothers and young children, for whom the risks of malnutrition are most dangerous.
Its aid is channeled through nurseries, hospitals and orphanages in 60 counties, in nine of the 11 provinces.
Because of chronic malnutrition, 28 percent of children under the age of 5 are stunted, meaning they are too small or short for their age because their bodies have not had the nutrients and protein they need to develop and grow, the agency said.
"Maybe the WFP — maybe we’ll be the light in the darkness … (and) help find a way out of this deep, deep dangerous controversy right now," he said.