UN News Centre
UNICEF Planning ‘Mammoth Operation’ to Deliver COVID-19 Vaccines
UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is working with more than 350 logistics partners, including major airlines, shipping lines and logistics associations from around the world, to deliver COVID-19 vaccines to over 92 countries, as soon as doses become available, the UN agency said on Monday [23 November 2020]. Etleva… »
UN rights chief Bachelet condemns Tanzania election violence
The people of Tanzania should be allowed to express grievances “without fear of reprisals” after nationwide elections, UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet said on Tuesday. In a statement, the High Commissioner for Human Rights said that she had been disturbed by reports of continued intimidation and… »
‘No way’ to get vital humanitarian aid into Ethiopia’s Tigray region, UN warns
With telephone lines still cut and transport links disrupted, it is impossible for humanitarians to get vital supplies into Ethiopia’s Tigray region or assess evolving humanitarian needs, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has said. “With roads closed, food, health and other emergency supplies have currently… »
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Some politicians still ignore ‘core European values’ 25 years after peace deal
Despite significant progress made in Bosnia and Herzegovina since the signing of a peace deal 25 years ago this month, some politicians continue to ignore “core European values” and even glorify war criminals, the international community’s High Representative for the country told the Security Council on Thursday. Valentin Inzko briefed ambassadors… »
Targeting journalists takes a toll on ‘societies as a whole’ – UN chief
When journalists are targeted, “societies as a whole pay a price”, the UN chief said on Monday, the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists. “If we do not protect journalists, our ability to remain informed and make evidence-based decisions is severely hampered”,… »
Stand in solidarity with world’s poor, UN chief says in message for International Day
The UN Secretary-General has called for solidarity with all people living in poverty, during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Secretary-General António Guterres issued the appeal in a video message to mark the International Day for… »
Girls to know: The next generation is already leading the way
Around the world, girls are driving change. They are activists and advocates on the front lines of movements for social and racial equality. They are calling for urgent climate action and demanding space at decision-making tables in their communities, countries and beyond. The theme for this year’s International Day of… »
Report outlines long road to post-COVID recovery for Latin America and Caribbean
Economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic in Latin America and the Caribbean will be slower than the return to productivity following the subprime mortgage crisis more than a decade ago, the head of the UN’s office for the region, ECLAC, said on Tuesday. Alicia Bárcena was speaking during a virtual… »
Switzerland: Draft anti-terrorism law sets ‘dangerous precedent’, rights experts warn
A proposed new anti-terrorism law in Switzerland could set a dangerous precedent for the suppression of political dissent worldwide, a group of five independent UN human rights experts warned on Friday. The draft legislation, currently before the Swiss Parliament, expands the definition of terrorism and no longer requires the prospect… »
UN denounces Kabul attack targeting Afghan Vice President
The United Nations has strongly condemned the attack, on Wednesday, in Kabul, targeting the official convoy of Afghanistan’s First Vice President Amrullah Saleh. The Vice President survived the attack but dozens of civilian casualties – mostly bystanders – were reported in the blast, which took place in a crowded part… »