"Diplomatic isolation is actually helpful in the North Korean government’s efforts to keep its people ignorant about the outside world."

Korean studies specialist Andrei Lankov examines the rationale behind North Korea's provocative behaviour, arguing that isolating the country will only help to reinforce the dangerous status quo.

“Monitoring school feeding is far easier; the combination of the UN working at the source, and the parents and teachers protecting it at the destination, provides assurance that aid reaches the right people.”

Katharina Zellweger, who has been involved with aid programmes for the people of North Korea since 1995, argues for the funding and implementation of a sustained school meals programme.