There has been a lot of misinformation on COVID-19: no, putting pepper in your soup won’t help and house flies do not transmit the virus, these are some of the rumours. Help us put it straight – stamp out the rumours – be properly informed – have a look at the WHO myth buster page.
You can also find more information and keep
up to date on the UN Coronavirus Global
Emergency Site.
Science, Solidarity, Solutions.
Violence against women and girls is a global human rights challenge. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exposed this issue as a global emergency requiring urgent action at all levels, in all spaces and by all people. The social and economic fallout from the pandemic is disproportionately pushing women and girls into poverty, and the risk of violence against them is rising. Continue reading
Along with other tried and tested public health measures, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) told journalists on Monday that “there is now real hope” that vaccines will play an essential part in helping end the COVID pandemic. More
International donors pledged financial and political support for Afghanistan’s peace process at the 2020 Afghanistan Conference in Geneva on Tuesday, anticipating a sustainable ceasefire that will help the country rebuild and heal after decades of conflict. More
The Head of the UN Office in Fiji , Mr. Sanaka Samarasinha explains what it is like visiting the remote islands of Fiji, who he went with, why he went and who he spoke with – he ends by stressing that climate change is unfolding in a very serious tragic way on these remote islands we must all rise to the of this existential threat and leave no-one behind- An UNIC Canberra interview for UN Radio. Listen
In an address on Thursday at an event for UN staff, Secretary-General António Guterres underscored the need to confront racism within the world body, initiating a series of discussions on the subject. More
Donating goods overseas after disasters can be unhelpful and even harmful and with the Pacific Cyclone season now in full swing the World Food Programme this week started a campaign urging people to donate responsibly.
Julia Dean from the United Nations Information Centre in Canberra spoke with Jo Pilgrim, Director of WFP’s Pacific Multi-Country office in Fiji and first asked what are the goods often donated and where does this generosity come from? Listen
Image: UBDs in Vanuatu : Photo: Vanuatu National Disaster Management Office
Asian and Pacific nations are increasingly leveraging space technology and geospatial information to respond to challenges on the ground, including in their efforts to contain the spread and mitigate the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new United Nations report. More
With COVID-19 cases on the rise in the Middle East following weeks of decline, the top UN official in the region has welcomed the Palestinian Authority’s decision to resume coordination with Israel. More
Criminals and violent extremists are exploiting the pandemic to build their support networks, undermine trust in government and even weaponize the virus, according to a research report published by the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI). More
Senior UN officials have conducted a two-day mission to southeastern Sudan, where some 30,000 Ethiopians have found refuge after fleeing ongoing fighting between national and regional forces in Tigray province, the world body reported. More