UN Security Council Clears Sanctions Waivers For Humanitarian Projects In North Korea

Last Updated:February 06, 2026, 16:37 IST

The UN approved sanctions waivers for 17 humanitarian projects in North Korea, involving UNICEF, amid ongoing tensions over Pyongyang's weapons programme.

The United Nations has cleared exemptions from tough sanctions on North Korea, allowing new humanitarian aid projects to move forward in the isolated country.

The decision comes amid renewed diplomatic efforts by South Korea and the United States to engage Pyongyang, even as tensions over its weapons programme remain high.

Sources told Reuters on Friday that members of the UN Security Council Sanctions Committee on North Korea unanimously approved sanctions waivers for 17 humanitarian projects on Thursday.

The sources spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to comment publicly. There has been no official announcement yet from the Security Council or the sanctions committee.

The approved projects are being carried out by major international organisations, including UNICEF, as well as non-government groups based in South Korea, the US and other countries.

According to the sources, many of these projects had been awaiting approval since the first half of 2025.

Humanitarian aid to North Korea can only proceed with clearance from the UN sanctions committee. In recent months, approvals had been delayed, with Washington blocking several requests as part of broader pressure on Pyongyang over its nuclear and missile programmes.

UN sanctions against North Korea date back to 2006, when the Security Council adopted Resolution 1718 following one of the country’s nuclear tests. The measures ban the transfer of arms, fuel and other sensitive items, some of which are also used in aid programmes.

North Korea has repeatedly criticised UN and international sanctions, calling them hostile acts led by the United States and an attack on its right to develop nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles.

South Korea’s DongA Ilbo newspaper reported that US President Donald Trump had given his approval to support the exemptions, which required unanimous backing from the committee, including the US.

Despite outreach from Washington and Seoul, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has remained silent and has continued to expand weapons development. Pyongyang has also strengthened ties with Russia and China, including by sending troops to support Moscow’s war in Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies)

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