United Nations humanitarian agencies and their partners are asking donors for an initial $350 million to rapidly scale up logistics services, aimed at supporting countries disproportionately affected by cancelled flights and disrupted supply routes to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
A new report by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) shows that as of 6 April, 96 per cent of all worldwide destinations have introduced travel restrictions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Millions of jobs could be lost in the sector.
Three new Ebola cases were confirmed in the Democratic Republic of Congo since 10 April, with more expected to be identified, as the World Health Organization’s Emergency Committee concluded that the outbreak still constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
A new International Labour Organization report finds that COVID-19 is expected to wipe out 6.7 per cent of working hours globally in the second quarter of 2020, equivalent to 195 million full-time workers. The report highlights the worst affected sectors and regions, and outlines policies to mitigate the crisis.
The Secretary-General condemned the double suicide bombing by suspected Boko Haram fighters on 5 April in Amichidé, in the Far North region of Cameroon, reiterating the United Nations continued support to countries in the Lake Chad Basin as they address the security, economic and humanitarian challenges posed by that group.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is sending equipment to more than 40 countries to help them use nuclear-derived technology to rapidly detect COVID‑19. Dozens of labs will receive diagnostic machines to speed up national testing, biosafety supplies and personal protection equipment.
The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President José Singer Weisinger (Dominican Republic):
In north-east Nigeria, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said that 7.9 million people — more than 1 out of every 2 people in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States — need aid in 2020. With an upsurge in attacks in the area over the past year, aid agencies have been forced to scale down their work.
While the number of journalists killed worldwide dropped by nearly half in 2019 to the lowest annual toll in more than a decade, they continue to face risks and perpetrators enjoy almost total impunity for these crimes, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization reported today.
The Humanitarian Coordinator for the United Nations in Iraq expressed her strong concern today over the suspension in granting access letters to humanitarian actors carrying out critical missions in support of the country’s vulnerable people.
Food prices around the world are at their highest levels in five years, the food price index from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) says. According to FAO, prices rose for the third consecutive month in December, with vegetable oil, sugar, dairy and cereals among the commodities driving up world food prices.
In Nigeria, civilians were reportedly executed or abducted by armed groups in northern Borno state and on the Damaturu-Biu road yesterday. Condemning the violence, the United Nations and humanitarian partners have urged Nigerian authorities to prevent further violence and to protect the civilian population, including aid workers.
The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary‑General António Guterres:
The World Health Organization (WHO) launched a pilot programme to prequalify human insulin to increase treatment for diabetes in low- and middle-income countries — part of WHO’s efforts to address the growing diabetes burden. Some 65 million people with type 2 diabetes need insulin, but only half of them can access it, largely due to high prices.
In Somalia, Beletweyne district and other areas have been severely affected by unusually heavy rains and flooding. Humanitarian needs are dire. The World Food Programme is working with the Federal Government and with sister United Nations agencies to coordinate the response and reach the hardest-hit people.
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has launched a four-year Global Strategy for Sustainable Energy to promotes the transition to clean, renewable energy at refugee camps and hosting sites, where more than 90 per cent of refugees have limited access to electricity.
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and “Education Cannot Wait”, the first global, multilateral fund for education in emergencies started a strategic partnership to ensure children and youth in emergencies have access to education opportunities.
The Secretary-General said he is deeply disturbed by the scale, severity and recurrence of grave violations endured by boys and girls, in a new report on the impact of conflict on children in Afghanistan. More than 12,000 children were verified killed or maimed between 2015 and the end of 2018.
Following are UN Deputy Secretary‑General Amina Mohammed’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, at the United Nations General Assembly side event: Nigeria Governors’ Forum: “The Role of Subnational Actors in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals” in New York today:
In Burkina Faso, where armed attacks continue to affect parts of the north and east, some 30,000 people have been displaced every month since the start of 2019. July alone saw a nearly 35 per cent surge in the number of health centres closed due to insecurity, depriving 625,000 people of access to basic care.
