UN Unanimously Hits North Korea With Strongest Sanctions Yet

The United Nations has unanimously approved new sanctions on North Korea. 

But when it comes to the average North Korean, not a whole lot is going to change.

These fresh sanctions, which are some of the toughest yet, are the product of around two months of negotiations between the U.S. and China after North Korea tested a nuclear weapon and launched a satellite.

The sanctions hit valuable exports from Pyongyang, like rare earth materials, gold and iron. They also prevent North Korea from snatching up aviation fuel and various weapons.

To top it off, all cargo going in and out of North Korea must be inspected. Previously, the cargo was only to be inspected if there was reason to believe it could have contraband aboard.

All fairly bad news for North Korea and its military aspirations. But for the average North Korean?

The sanctions aren’t supposed to affect North Korean citizens. Instead, they’re targeting North Korean higher-ups and the regime’s nuclear program.

North Korean laborers abroad aren’t affected, and the sanctions don’t target the country’s agriculture or food sectors either.

That’s not to say North Koreans are in a good spot right now — as much as 41 percent of the country is chronically undernourished, according to the United Nations. 

This video includes images from Getty Images and clips from United Nations, NTDTV and KCTV.