Defeat COVID-19 and put an end to hate and discrimination: UN chief

22 August 2020
Peace and Security
OCHA/Yaye Nabo Sène

In a message published on the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Violence Based on Religious Belief, which falls on 22 August, UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned of a rise in racism since the spread of COVID-19 across the world.

First Person: Pakistan health worker commits to polio fight, despite COVID fears

WHO stresses need for quick action amid reports of fresh COVID-19 outbreaks

As Burkina Faso grapples with COVID-19, new UN data reveals ‘alarming deterioration’ in food security

Traumas of terrorism cannot be erased, but victims' voices must never be forgotten

UN refugee chief underlines continued support to Lebanon

© UNHCR/Areez Tanbeen Rahman

Rohingya crisis needs lasting solutions, renewed commitment amid COVID-19 pandemic, UN refugee agency

Humanitarian Aid

Three years after violence in Myanmar forced hundreds of thousands of Rohingyas to seek refuge in Bangladesh, the international community must adapt its assistance to the critical needs of those displaced and the host communities supporting them, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) said on Friday. 

UN Photo/Jean-Marc Ferre

UN rights office ‘appalled’ at violence against human rights defenders in the Philippines

Human Rights

The UN human rights office, OHCHR, has called for effective measures to protect rights defenders in the Philippines, amid a spate of deadly attacks against them.

© UNICEF/UNI39964/Noorani

Iraq: UN Mission condemns killings of activists in Basra

Peace and Security

The UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) has strongly condemned the killing of two activists and attacks against others in the southern city of Basra, urging increased efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice. 

© UNICEF/Brian Otieno

COVID-19: African countries urged to promote a safe return to school

Culture and Education

School closures implemented to protect students from COVID-19, are hurting them in other ways, while the long-term impact of this disruption to education could create a “lost generation” in Africa, two UN agencies said on Thursday. 

UNSOM

Somalia at a critical juncture, as federal, state leaders, meet to break election impasse

Peace and Security

With elections slated for November delayed due to COVID-19, Somalia is at a critical juncture, the top United Nations official in the country told the Security Council on Thursday, pressing federal and state leaders to agree on voting modalities, and bolster the capacity of forces which are meant to assume full control of national security, next year.

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