North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un has urged officials to focus on improving citizens’ lives

The controversial leader marks the 76th anniversary of the Workers’ Party of Korea.

It comes as the nation marks a “grim” economic situation, which was heavily impacted by the ongoing pandemic.

North Korea’s economy has been battered by years of sanctions over its nuclear and weapons programs. Heavy rains and floods have also taken a toll.

The country’s most vulnerable are risking starvation after it slipped deeper into self-imposed isolation during the pandemic.

A UN Rights Investigator says the humanitarian situation could turn into a crisis.