Release of the Report of the External Independent Investigative Review Panel: United Nations Development Program Activities in North Korea (1999-2007)

On June 1, 2008, the External Independent Investigative Review Panel delivered its final Report on the United Nations Development Program’s activities in North Korea. The panel, appointed by the UNDP Administrator, found broad management deficiencies in UNDP’s North Korea program, including in payment modalities, staffing practices, and project oversight. 

The United States remains concerned about the breakdowns in UNDP’s management system, and is committed to the idea of a UNDP that addresses its weaknesses and in so doing better realizes its intended purpose – to help the world’s poor. Toward that end, the United States will continue to work with UNDP management through our UN Transparency and Accountability Initiative, and will focus particular attention on the Panel’s findings and recommendations.