The congress was the first of its kind and included “the realization of the organizational and ideological consolidation of the Party ranks in every way” and the strengthening of the party’s leadership role, state news agency KCNA reported. The event focused on Party Life Guidance (PLG) units, which are powerful organizations that monitor and police loyalty of officials and members across the country. Sign up now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Register According to a 2019 report by the US-based Human Rights Commission in North Korea (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 Organization and Guidance Department, PLG monitors trends and patterns of individual behavior, particularly those that may harm the interests of the top leader, the HRNK report said. His techniques include regular self-criticism sessions where participants are asked to confess their mistakes and face accusations from other members. It is also responsible for conveying guidance from senior leaders and plays a role in selecting candidates who are allowed to contest elections. In remarks at the conference, Kim called the party’s life guidance a “blood vessel and nerve gland” that firmly connects party organizations to the central committee and the main axis of implementing party ideas and policies, KCNA reported. Kim has increasingly held events aimed at tightening control over the country, which he has ruled since 2011. Experts said efforts against the pandemic have further helped his authoritarian government impose new controls on the economy, travel, media information and other elements of society. According to human rights researchers, North Korea has carried out extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, torture, arbitrary arrests, sexual violence and forced labor. The government has denied mistreating its citizens. North Korea is facing multiple crises, including the first recognized outbreak of COVID-19, the economic impact of international sanctions and erratic weather events such as high temperatures and floods. He said he has the COVID-19 situation under control, although a lack of data has led international experts to doubt the claims. Sign up now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Register Report by Josh Smith. Editor: Christopher Cushing Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
