The Quaker-based American Friends Service Committee announced this week that it’s representative just completed a visit to North Korea in a continuing program of humanitarian assistance.

It’s good to know that at least some positive interactions are taking place, despite the heated rhetoric by our countries’ leaders.

From AFSC’s press release:

On November 4, 2017 Dr. Linda Lewis, who serves as the country representative for the American Friends Service Committee’s program in North Korea, completed her first trip to North Korea since the Trump Administration instituted new travel restrictions that took effect September 1.

“I’ve been traveling to North Korea to work with our partners there for many years, and despite the new restrictions, this trip was no different,” said Lewis. “We see the fact that we were still able to enter the country as a positive sign from Washington, and are glad that the U.S. is acknowledging the importance of humanitarian cooperation.”

The American Friends Service Committee has been engaged in relief efforts on the Korean Peninsula since the years after the Korean War. AFSC’s North Korea program is currently working with cooperative farms to raise productivity and implement sustainable agricultural practices in the region, and is one of the few U.S.-based organizations operating in the country today.

AFSC had expressed concerns with the travel restrictions to North Korea, including filing a public comment with the State Department. “We’re concerned that the new travel restrictions have added an unnecessary and burdensome layer of bureaucracy to humanitarian work,” said Lewis. “We believe that channels for humanitarian engagement are pivotal for building peace on the Korean peninsula, and hope to see fewer restrictions, not more. These restrictions should be rescinded when they come up for review.”