Caritas encourages peace negotiations in North Korea, aid for the poor

Seoul, South Korea, Jun 17, 2009 / 22:15 pm

Caritas International issued a press release this week saying that aid for the poor rather than military action is the solution to ending the crisis in North Korea.
 
At a recent meeting in China of Caritas Asia, the organization’s secretary general, Lesley-Anne Knight, said, “Armed intervention in response to the belligerence of North Korea will only cause greater human tragedies and more suffering for people here.”

“Genuine negotiations with concrete outcomes for improving the daily living conditions of the people are vital steps in reducing the suffering and engaging with North Korea to find a solution to this crisis” generated by recent nuclear tests carried out by the government, Knight said.
 
“The desperate situation many North Koreans find themselves needs addressing by the international community. A major part of the population is highly vulnerable, living in a precarious state where basic needs are not met. They should not be the victims of their government’s provocations,” she added.
 
In response to this situation, Caritas is prioritizing help for children, women and the elderly, who are the most affected. For years, the press release stated, Caritas has been helping the poorest in Korea and it will continue to do so especially in response to this crisis, in coordination with Caritas Korea.