Kim Jong-un
© Reuters/KCNANorth Korean leader Kim Jong-un •ˆPeople's Assembly of the Democratic Republic of Korea
Kim Jong-un urged officials to focus on improving citizens' lives in the face of a "grim" economic situation, state media reported on Monday, as he marked the anniversary of the country's ruling party.

Art performances, galas, and a fireworks show were held in Pyongyang to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the Workers' Party of Korea on Sunday, but no large military parade, which are sometimes held on such occasions, was reported.

North Korea's economy has been battered by years of sanctions over its nuclear and weapons programmes, and heavy rains and floods have also taken a toll. The country's most vulnerable risk starvation after it slipped deeper into self-imposed isolation during the Covid-19 pandemic, and the worsening humanitarian situation could turn into a crisis, a UN rights investigator said in report seen by Reuters last week.

The country faces "huge tasks for adjusting and developing the state economy" and accomplishing the economic goals established in recent party and government meetings, Kim said in a speech, according to state news agency KCNA. Making no mention of the political standoff over its nuclear weapons, he said:
"The only way for dynamically pushing forward the unprecedented crucial work despite grim situation is for the entire Party to get united." Officials "should not wish for privilege and preferential treatment, should always consider whether their work infringe upon the interests of the people or cause trouble to the people."
State media showed Kim addressing a room full of darkly dressed officials, with no major social distancing, masks, or other anti-coronavirus measures apparent. The country has not reported a single case of the virus, but has imposed strict border lockdowns, movement restrictions, and other measures. State television broadcasts showed young people attending the gala, and other people laying flowers at statues of the country's previous leaders.

The US State Department on Thursday accused Kim's government of being primarily responsible for the humanitarian situation in the country.

Spokesperson Ned Price told a briefing in Washington, while noting the US supports efforts to provide humanitarian aid to North Korea:
"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 program."

Comment: Standard US playbook ploy: Accuse others of its own actions.