Suspension of humanitarian activities

TGH carried out its first mission in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) in 2000, in response to the North Korean government’s 1997 appeal for international aid. Since then, TGH has worked to improve food security by developing agricultural and aquaculture activities, as well as protection activities for the most vulnerable members of society, including children under the age of six and the elderly. 

However, the country’s closure in February 2020 following the outbreak of the pandemic has significantly impacted TGH’s programmes. The departure of expatriates after the borders closed has meant that all TGH projects requiring expatriates in the field have had to be temporarily suspended. 

Between 2020 and 2025, TGH maintained a small national team on the ground to gain an understanding of the situation in the country. In addition, the NGO organised regular coordination meetings with all relevant humanitarian actors. This was partly to prepare for a possible reopening of the borders in 2025 and partly to coordinate the reassessment of needs that would be necessary at that time.

Despite numerous discussions during this period, TGH has been unable to obtain a specific date for the reopening of the country’s borders to humanitarian organisations. This situation has led the NGO to suspend its humanitarian activities in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea for an indefinite period.

TGH remains attentive to developments regarding the borders. TGH is ready to conduct further needs assessments. This is in order to resume its humanitarian activities in the country.