This is the News in Brief from the United Nations.
COVID-19 infections rise 8 per cent in a week, Delta variant now in 132 countries
COVID-19 infections rose eight per cent last week to more than 3.8 million and the number of new deaths increased in all regions apart from Europe, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Latest data from the UN health agency pointed to a “substantial” uptick in infections in the Americas and the Western Pacific, up 30 per cent and 25 per cent, respectively.
Regionally, South-East Asia also reported a three per cent increase in infections, compared to the previous seven days.
Of the four COVID-19 mutations that the WHO has designated “variants of concern”, the Alpha variant is now present in 182 countries, the Beta strain in 131, Gamma in 81 and the Delta variant is in 132 countries.
On the issue of vaccine effectiveness, the World Hhealth Organization cited several laboratory studies showing that coronavirus transmission to household members was reduced by approximately half after at least one jab.
Myanmar: Rights expert calls for ‘COVID ceasefire’, urges UN action
The UN independent expert on Myanmar has called for a “COVID ceasefire” on health care workers, as infections and deaths soar.
Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews alleged on Tuesday that junta forces had committed 260 attacks against medical personnel and facilities, causing at least 18 deaths.
Meanwhile, more than 600 health care professionals are eluding arrest warrants and at least 67 have been detained, Mr. Andrews said in a statement.
“Too many in Myanmar have needlessly perished and too many more will die without action by the United Nations”, he warned, before urging the Security Council to demand that Myanmar’s military rulers stop all attacks, particularly against healthcare professionals.
Cornerstone treaty of refugee protection turns 70
Refugees have never needed more protection, top UN refugee agency official Filippo Grandi said on Wednesday, marking the 70th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention.
In an appeal to all countries to recommit to the spirit and fundamental principles of the treaty, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees insisted that “thanks to the Convention, millions of lives have been saved”.
Mr. Grandi expressed alarm at recent attempts by unnamed Governments to disregard or circumvent the Convention’s principles.
This included expulsions and pushbacks of refugees and asylum seekers at land and sea borders, and proposals to forcibly transfer them for processing to third States without proper protection safeguards.
“The language of the Convention is clear as to the rights of refugees and remains applicable in the context of contemporary and unprecedented challenges and emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic”, the UN refugee agency chief said.
The 1951 Refugee Convention was born after 26 States met in Geneva to finalize the text of the treaty. The Convention and the 1967 Protocol, which broadened its scope, define who is a refugee and what protection, assistance and rights they have.
Kati Dartford, UN News.
