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DPRK + 4 more

CrisisInSight Weekly Picks, 31 May 2023

DPRK

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea is likely facing a food crisis caused by worsening shortages resulting from long-term border closures, adverse weather, and economic sanctions. In March 2023, the country requested assistance from WFP, which could not be provided given disagreements around access. Before the COVID-19 border closures (2019--2021), approximately 42% of the population were malnourished, and an estimated 11--16 million people (40--60% of the population) were food-insecure. In 2022, the number of food-insecure people was estimated to increase to 60% of the population. In the same year, agricultural output declined by 3.8%, with adverse weather significantly affecting crops, especially rice production (which declined by 4.2%). Trade with China decreased by up to 90% in 2021 compared to 2019. The current situation is likely dire, as the lack of imports, including agricultural inputs, and the decline in food production have created significant price increases and food scarcity. Continued access restrictions make assessment data difficult to obtain.

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Libya

Between 21--27 May 2023, around 720 migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers attempting to cross the Mediterranean from Libya were returned to the restive state. As at 27 May, the total number of migrants returned to Libya within 2023 was approximately 5,700. More people have died while attempting the crossing, with 640 deaths in 2023 as at 27 May compared to 529 from January--December 2022 and 662 from January--December 2021. Migrants and asylum seekers returned to detention centres in Libya face exploitation, abuse, and sexual violence. At least half of migrant women have reported experiencing sexual violence while being transferred between detention centres by security forces. As at December 2022, there were more than 690,000 migrants and asylum seekers in Libya. The protection needs of migrants remain high.

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Somalia

The Horn of Africa is facing a humanitarian crisis caused by climatic change and insecurity. The 2020--2022 drought displaced 2.7 million people and killed 13 million livestock. Deteriorating livelihoods, poor economic conditions, and insecurity are driving hunger, with more than 20 million people needing food assistance in Ethiopia, 1.2 million facing emergency levels of need in Kenya, and 6.6 million in Somalia anticipating Crisis (IPC Phase 3) or worse food insecurity levels in June 2023. Approximately 1.2 million children, including 528,000 in Ethiopia, 242,500 in Kenya, and 478,000 in Somalia, will suffer from severe acute malnutrition. In Somalia, acute food insecurity is projected to deteriorate through June 2023, bringing 40,350 people to Catastrophe (IPC Phase 5) food insecurity levels and facing starvation as a result of drought, high prices, and conflict. The 2023 humanitarian response is only 20% funded, with significant programming cuts expected.

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