North Korea has finally begun to ease COVID-19 rules after years of border closures, raising hopes that not only diplomats but also humanitarian workers who left the country more than two years ago might be able to return at some point.

If and when they do return, U.N. aid workers and nongovernmental organizations are sure to look for ways to address reported food shortages in the DPRK, while navigating restrictions that make it difficult to verify that assistance goes to those in need.