The UN health agency’s annual oversight convention, held for the first time ever by teleconference from Geneva on 18-19 May, was focused intensely on defeating the novel coronavirus that has infected more than 4.7 million people worldwide, caused more than 316,100 deaths and thrown the futures of even the most robust economies into jeopardy. The event was punctuated by the assertion from… Read More

Karim Aïnouz is the director of “Central Airport THF”, a documentary which describes the situation of asylum seekers sheltered in the former Tempelhof Airport, in Berlin, and is now available on streaming platforms. Built in the 1920s, the airport of gigantic proportions was renovated in the 1930s by the Nazi regime. Decommissioned in 2008, it served as a shelter for… Read More

Museums may be temporarily closed, but they remain a source of knowledge and discovery for many – now through virtual tours in particular. This International Museum Day, let’s celebrate the inspirational power of museums & thank museum workers for their valuable contribution. pic.twitter.com/vbtxeGlos4 — António Guterres (@antonioguterres) May 18, 2020 In assessing the impact of the coronavirus on museums, two… Read More

Noting that over the past decade, too many “fleeting opportunities” to reverse course had been lost, Geir O. Pedersen recalled during an open videoconference meeting that those missed chances had been followed by “renewed violence and a hardening of positions among regional and international actors”.  “We must not repeat this pattern”, he underscored. The UN envoy shared a widespread belief… Read More

Addressing World Health Organization (WHO) Member States attending the foreshortened and virtual World Health Assembly in Geneva via videoconference, the UN chief pointed out that despite “some solidarity”, there had been “very little unity” in the global response to the new coronavirus so far. #COVID19 has demonstrated our global fragility, not only in our health systems, but in all areas of our… Read More

The commemoration comes as the world continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic which has increased the vulnerability of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people. “Already facing bias, attacks and murder simply for who they are or whom they love, many LGBTI people are experiencing heightened stigma as a result of the virus, as well as new obstacles when… Read More

In a statement released on Friday, UNICEF said that a decline in vaccinations in January and February, compared to the same two months in 2019, was likely due to such established challenges as low coverage, insufficient supplies and a poor system for keeping vaccines cool whilst in storage and transit. Coronavirus effect COVID-19 will “almost certainly worsen the situation,” with parents reluctant… Read More

The report on Social protection responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in developing countries, describes social protection as “an indispensable mechanism for delivering support to individuals during the crisis”. It looks at response measures introduced in some countries, such as the removal of financial barriers to quality health care, and protecting incomes and jobs, among other interventions. The ability to access affordable, quality,… Read More

Despite a looming COVID-19 pandemic and a global economic downturn threatening even more adversity, he maintained that the UN has provided “a feasible roadmap” that puts the onus on “those with arms and power”, to achieve it. The UN has reported “significant progress” on negotiations, particularly regarding the ceasefire. However, he underscored that peace is part of a broader package… Read More