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Description
The People's Democratic Republic of Korea has become one of the most secretive and isolated societies in the world, with NGOs, UN agencies and even embassies being expelled from the country in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. In Witness to North Korea, Jerome Sauvage presents a unique first-hand account of life in North Korea based on his time as a UN Special Resident coordinator in Pyongyang. Recounting his work organising and delivering humanitarian aid, Sauvage reflects on his experience working with North Korean citizens, the successes, the setbacks and the missed opportunities. The book books asks the question: how can the world rebuild its relationship with this secretive regime.
Table of Contents
Preface
Acknowledgements
Note on Spelling
Abbreviations
PART I – Arrival and Collision
Chapter 1 CALL TO NORTH KOREA
Arrival in Pyongyang -–– Doubts about the UN, and my career –– Our expertise in Asian Communist dictatorships
Chapter 1.5 BEFORE THE RETURN: UNDP'S NORTH KOREAN SCANDAL
Chapter 2 ROUGH START
UNDP premises in bad shape – Doomed currency reform – Early pressure regarding old projects
Chapter 3 A FAILED PEACE MISSION
Personnel challenges – The humanitarian situation - Pascoe Visit – UN flag
Chapter 4 THE SINKING
Sinking of Cheonan corvette – Introducing Leni - Trying to understand North Korea's decision-making - Impact on UN Agencies - A word on UN sanctions –
Chapter 5 HEART OF DARKNESS
First field visit - A drive to Hoechang – Rural Energy - A Korean lunch.
Chapter 6 COUNTING SOULS
A first look at the humanitarian situation - The first Population Census in 10 years
Chapter 7 ECONOMY OF HUNGER
Crop and Food Security Assessment Mission - A conversation - The Public Distribution System and markets - A cooperative farm - UN expert on economics and politics of food –
Chapter 8 ASHES OVER YEONPYEONG
Relationship breakthrough with Government - Coal mine – North Korea bombs Yeonpyeong Island - A colleague is "citizen-arrested" - Christmas and New Year among the international community - The UNDP team - Family tourism: Munt Kumgang, Kaesong, DMZ - Musings about this past year
PART II – Working Within the System
Chapter 9 SETTLING IN
Strengthening the office's operations and programmes - Seeing results in rural energy projects - Our home - Carolyn gets a car - A walk in Moran park
Chapter 10 SPROUTS
Expanding the role – Jimmy Carter and former Presidents visit - Maternal Mortality – An orphanage – One colleague leaves - Back surgery
Chapter 11
FLOODS AND PARADES
International emergency response - Performances and parades - Kimchi in the office
Chapter 12 WHOSE VOICE?
Duties and bullies – The Millennium Development Goals Report – Addressing criticisms on human rights
PART III – Exit and Reflection
Chapter 13 TRANSITION WITHOUT CHANGE
Passing of Kim Jong Il – Funerals - International reactions – Hopes for reforms – Preparing to leave - Night train ride from Beijing -
Epilogue
Appendix
Notes
Bibliography
Index
Product details
| Published | Aug 06 2026 |
|---|---|
| Format | Hardback |
| Edition | 1st |
| Pages | 208 |
| ISBN | 9781350568440 |
| Imprint | Bloomsbury Academic |
| Dimensions | 216 x 138 mm |
| Series | Asian Arguments |
| Publisher | Bloomsbury Publishing |
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