#COVID-19

In Bangladesh, the United Nations and partners have bolstered the response to COVID-19 in Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar following the first confirmed case there, amid serious concerns that the virus could severely impact the densely populated settlements, which shelter some 860,000 refugees.

The global COVID-19 pandemic is an opportunity for the Security Council to explore ways to become more transparent, efficient and effective, while also forging closer ties with the broader United Nations membership, experts said during a 15 May videoconference meeting of the Council dedicated to its working methods.

Amid unabated military clashes and a worrying jump in COVID-19 cases, an end to the fighting in Yemen is now “within close reach” as the warring parties continue to weigh a proposed set of draft agreements, the senior United Nations official in that country told the Security Council during a 14 May videoconference meeting.

The General Assembly adopted seven resolutions and 13 decisions since 27 March amid the coronavirus pandemic, including one adjusting its work methods and two others calling for intensified international cooperation to contain, mitigate and defeat COVID-19 and for Member States and stakeholders to take steps to prevent speculation and undue stockpiling that may hinder access to required equipment to address the spread of the virus.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) warned today that devastating gaps in social protection coverage in developing countries could compromise COVID-19 recovery plans and expose millions to poverty, as 55 per cent of the world’s population is not covered by social insurance or assistance.

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message marking the launch of the policy brief “COVID-19 and the Need for Action on Mental Health” in New York today:

The 2020 World Health Statistics, published today by the World Health Organization (WHO), show that the COVID-19 pandemic is causing significant loss of life, disrupting livelihoods and threatening recent development gains, underlining the urgent need for all nations to invest in strong health systems.

With Iraq’s deep political and security challenges compounded by the onset of COVID-19 and plummeting oil prices, the newly formed Government must rise to meet people’s legitimate aspirations for a stable, more inclusive future, the senior United Nations official in the country told the Security Council in a 12 May videoconference meeting.

Following are UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, at the online launch meeting of the Group of Friends of Solidarity for Global Health Security, in New York today:

Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks at the high‑level video conference on “The Role of Religious Leaders in Addressing the Multiple Challenges of COVID-19”, in New York today: