North Korea’s Kim calls conference to bolster ‘monolithic’ party rule

SEOUL, July 7 (Reuters) – North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called an unprecedented conference aimed at bolstering the “monolithic” leadership of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) in society, media reported on Thursday. officials.

The conference was the first of its kind and involved “carrying out the organizational and ideological consolidation of Party ranks in all ways” and strengthening the leadership role of the party, the official KCNA news agency said.

The event focused on Party Life Guidance (PLG) chapters, which are powerful organizations that monitor and control the loyalty of leaders and members across the country.

According to a 2019 report by the US-based North Korea Human Rights Committee (HRNK), guiding party life is “arguably the most critical function” of the WPK, which is the founding and ruling party of North Korea.

As part of the powerful Department of Organization and Guidance, the PLG monitors tendencies and patterns of individual behavior, especially those that may harm the interests of the Paramount Leader, according to the HRNK report.

Its techniques include regular self-criticism sessions, where participants are required to confess their wrongdoings and face accusations from other members. It is also responsible for conveying the advice of senior leaders and plays a role in the selection of candidates authorized to stand for election.

In his remarks at the conference, Kim called the direction of party life a “blood vessel and nerve gland” that firmly connects party organizations with the central committee, and the main axis for implementing ideas and party policies, KCNA reported.

Kim has increasingly staged events aimed at tightening control in the country, which he has ruled since 2011. Experts said anti-pandemic efforts have further helped his authoritarian government impose new controls on the country. economy, travel, media and other elements of society.

According to human rights investigators, North Korea has committed extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances, acts of torture, arbitrary arrests, sexual violence and forced labor. The government has denied mistreating its citizens.

North Korea is grappling with multiple crises, including its first recognized COVID-19 outbreak, the economic effects of international sanctions, and erratic weather events such as high temperatures and flooding.

He said he had the COVID-19 situation under control, although a lack of data led international experts to doubt those claims.

Reporting by Josh Smith; Editing by Christopher Cushing

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