Josh Smith

SEOUL (Reuters). – North Korean leader Kim Jong Un urged officials Monday to put their efforts into improving the lives of citizens in the face of a “grim economic environment,” state media reported. This was as he celebrated the 50th anniversary of his country’s ruling party.

Kim gave a speech on Sunday to mark the 76th anniversary the foundation of the Workers Party of Korea, according to the KCNA news agency.

Pyongyang saw art performances and galas as well fireworks displays. But no major military parade was held, which is sometimes the case on these occasions.

The economic collapse of North Korea has resulted in years-long sanctions on its weapons and nuclear programmes. Heavy rains and flooding have also impacted the economy.

In a report that Reuters saw last week, a U.N. rights inspector stated that starvation is a real possibility for the nation’s most vulnerable after the COVID-19 epidemic.

Kim spoke in an address that focuses primarily on issues related to party politics, saying the country has “huge challenges” in adapting and developing its state economy and achieving the economic goals set in recent government and party meetings.

He stated, “The only means to move forward dynamically the crucial work regardless of the grim situation”

Kim stated that officials should not seek privilege or preferential treatment and must always think about whether their work is infringing upon the rights of others.

The U.S. State Department charged Kim’s government with being primary responsible for the dire humanitarian situation in South Korea on Thursday.

“The regime continues to exploit its own citizens, to violate their human rights, to divert resources from the country’s people to build up its unlawful (weapons of mass destruction) and ballistic missiles programme,” spokesperson Ned Price told a briefing in Washington, while noting the United States supports efforts to provide humanitarian aid to North Korea.