Anglican Communion News Service

The Christian Conference of Asia (CCA), the regional ecumenical organisation in Asia representing 119 member Churches and 14 national councils in 16 countries has called on Governments and Churches in Asia and around the world to provide immediate humanitarian assistance and food relief to North Korea.

In a statement signed by its four presidents and other officer bearers, the CCA expressed its concern with regard to the desperate situation in North Korea following the destruction of much of North Korea's rice fields and food stocks after massive floods in 1995. The CCA has stated that meeting the immediate human needs of millions of North Koreans, many who face possible starvation if grain from abroad is not forthcoming, must be the first priority and concern of the international community and ecumenical family.

In a letter to its member Churches and national Councils the CCA requested people to remember the flood victims in North Korea in their prayers and to help them. They urged Christians to urge their governments to extend aid to the country without preconditions and to continue to bear witness to the efforts of the Churches to bring about a secure future for the people, and lasting peace and reunification in the Korean peninsular.

The CCA particularly called on the governments of South Korea, Japan and the US to de-link the issue of food aid and humanitarian assistance from any strategic and/or immediate political concerns they have with the country.