Latest News

© UNICEF/Sergio Robles

World’s richest nations must protect child well-being in COVID-19 fallout: UNICEF

2 September 2020
SDGs

Children in the world’s richest countries are grappling with mental health concerns, obesity and poor social and academic skills, according to a new study published on Thursday by the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF). 

ICC

UN dismayed over US sanctions on top International Criminal Court officials

2 September 2020
Law and Crime Prevention

The UN Secretary-General on Wednesday noted “with concern” the imposition by the United States of sanctions against the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and another senior official, in the latest of a series of unilateral policy moves against the body.

 

 

 

 

 

© UNICEF/Giovanni Diffidenti

Security Council support ‘in action’ for Libya, crucial for its future, declares UN mission chief

2 September 2020
Peace and Security

The top UN official in Libya urged the Security Council on Wednesday to press for an immediate de-escalation of tensions and a return to negotiations, following the call from rival political leaders for a ceasefire on 21 August.

© UNICEF/Lindsay Mackenzie

COVID-19: ‘Game-changer for international peace and security’ – UN chief

2 September 2020
Peace and Security

The world has “entered a volatile and unstable new phase” in terms of the impact of COVID-19 on peace and security, the UN chief told a virtual meeting with world leaders on Wednesday.

UN Women/Fahad Kaizer

Women bear the brunt, as COVID erodes progress on eradicating extreme poverty

2 September 2020
Women

The coronavirus pandemic and its fallout will likely push 47 million more women into poverty, reversing decades of progress to eradicate extreme poverty, new data released on Wednesday by the UN has revealed. 

UNRWA/Khalil Adwan

Deal to reduce recent Gaza tensions will aid fight against COVID-19

1 September 2020
Peace and Security

The top UN official in the Middle East has hailed an agreement to reduce the latest tensions in and around Gaza amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. 

UNAMA/Fardin Waezi

Attacks on journalists are attacks on all civil society: UN rights chief

1 September 2020
Human Rights

UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet has urged all countries to do more to protect journalists, especially during the COVID-19 crisis, as their work helps save lives.

Kseniya Halubovich

Belarus must stop torturing protesters and prevent enforced disappearances

1 September 2020
Peace and Security

Independent UN human rights experts on Tuesday called on Belarus to stop torturing detainees and bring to justice police officers who have reportedly humiliated and beaten protestors in their custody, as mass demonstrations over the disputed 9 August presidential election continue for a fourth week. 

© UNICEF/Pasqual Gorriz/UN

Beirut facing acute environmental crisis, warns UN energy specialist

1 September 2020
Economic Development

Contamination from hazardous chemicals, landfill sites at capacity, and water pollution, are among the most urgent challenges faced by the Lebanese authorities and UN teams tackling the huge task of clearing up Beirut, following the massive explosion in the city’s port on 4 August.

© UNICEF/Hani Alansi

‘No hope’ of reaching climate, development goals, without youth optimism and know-how

1 September 2020
SDGs

Without harnessing the energy, tech savvy and optimism of young people, the world has no hope of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or the Paris Agreement on climate change, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Tuesday.