There are an estimated 67 million domestic workers worldwide, the vast majority of whom are women.  As they try to maintain their livelihoods, lack of access to social protection makes domestic workers especially vulnerable to the pandemic. Oscar-nominated actress Yalitza Aparicio rose to fame in the film Roma, where she starred as an indigenous domestic worker. As a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, Ms. Aparicio defends the rights of indigenous peoples and domestic workers. For domestic workers, there are only two options, she explains:  stop receiving income or risk exposure to COVID-19.

While the situation is worrying, so far the number of identified COVID-19 cases amongst the Rohingya refugee population is relatively low at just 62 cases as of July. The community health volunteers’ role has become even more important since humanitarian workers have scaled back their work in the camps to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus. WHO has worked with UNHCR to train the volunteers on how to identify symptoms and make referrals for testing. But they must contend with the fear and rumours that have discouraged many people from approaching health facilities.

Corruption, the abuse of public office for private gain, is about more than wasted money: it erodes the social contract and corrodes the government’s ability to help grow the economy in a way that benefits all citizens. The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the importance of stronger governance. During this crisis the IMF has continued its governance and anti-corruption work. Their message to all governments has been clear: spend whatever you need but keep the receipts, because we don’t want accountability to be lost in the process.

The COVID-19 Law Lab initiative gathers and shares legal documents from over 190 countries to help states establish and implement legal frameworks to manage the pandemic. The goal is to ensure that laws protect individuals and communities and that they adhere to international human rights standards. Well-designed laws help build strong health systems; evaluate and approve safe and effective drugs and vaccines; and create healthier and safer public spaces and workplaces. The new Lab is a joint project of UNDP, WHO, UNAIDS and partners.

As the coronavirus continues to spread worldwide, in developing countries it’s rural girls who are proving to be the most vulnerable to abuse during economic collapse and lockdown.

UNPA is issuing these stamps to support the COVID Solidarity Response Fund organized by WHO. The stamps represent six key public health messages to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

As the world plans for a post-pandemic recovery, the United Nations is calling on Governments to seize the opportunity to “build back better” by creating more sustainable, resilient and inclusive societies. “We need to turn the recovery into a real opportunity to do things right for the future,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres.  The United Nations devises a blueprint for a healthier planet and society that leaves no one behind. Mr. Guterres proposed six climate-related actions to shape the recovery. Actions are being taken across the UN system to ensure a more resilient future.

When the coronavirus pandemic brought New York City to a halt, United Nations interpreters ran into big trouble: their booths and equipment were no longer accessible. However, they are rising to the challenge, exploring new ways to service multilateral meetings, including from their homes. This story, with portraits produced remotely by UN Photo, documents how these professionals have been responding to new challenges COVID-19 added to their already daunting job of providing simultaneous interpretation in six UN official languages – Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.

Older persons are among the more visible victims of the current health crisis. Although all age groups are at risk of COVID-19, older persons face higher risk of mortality and severe disease following infection, with an estimated 66% of people over 70 having underlying conditions. “No person, young or old, is expendable”, spelled out UN Secretary-General António Guterres in a video message launching a policy brief on older persons. The impact on health and long-term care services for older persons must confront the challenges they face, including access to medical treatment and care.

Working with Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The UN Refugee Agency presents Nabil Attard, a refugee chef from Syria, lived through a crisis in his home country. Now living in France, he delivers for those on the frontlines during a crisis in his new country.

UNICEF teams up with the Marley family to reimagine the iconic song One Love – bringing people together to help children and their families recover from the impacts of COVID-19.

As profits plummet and operations shutter due to the pandemic, the United Nations’ corporate partners build a safer, greener fairer and more resilient global economy. The UN Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, recently made a special appeal for private sector leaders to work together to control the coronavirus outbreak. Joint action is critical to spur recovery. Collective efforts are also vital to reduce entrenched inequalities and advance the Sustainable Development Goals, the UN’s shared blueprint for achieving peace and prosperity across the planet.

Today there is a new nutrition reality.

The pandemic presents both challenges and opportunities for reaching the Sustainable Development Goals. UNDP highlights that the challenges we face cannot be dealt with in isolation.