Amid reported deadly missile attacks from Russia’s so-called “special military operation” in Ukraine, including the capital Kiev and other cities, terrified families have been forced to seek shelter underground, the UN said on Friday, adding that at least 100,000 people have likely been displaced by the violence.
Around the world, UN teams are working with governments and other partners to combat COVID-19 and support national socio-economic recovery plans, focusing on activities to provide service to vulnerable groups. Below are some highlights of these initiatives.
The decision for any head of family anywhere around the world to leave their home country behind is hard and heartfelt. According to official figures there are nearly 6 million migrants and refugees from Venezuela worldwide. Countries in Latin America and the Caribbean are displaying their solidarity by hosting around 80 per cent of them.
Much has happened in the last six months. With strong government leadership, and in partnership with communities and international stakeholders, emergency relief has been provided to 600,000 people in need.
Today, the UN Joint SDG Fund announces a historic expansion of its portfolio to five new markets across the globe with US $54.5 million in additional investments to rescue the Sustainable Development Goals.
Six months after a devastating earthquake the Government of Haiti is bringing the international community together to advocate for reconstruction and recovery.
From survivors of rape to young women entrepreneurs, the UN Deputy Secretary-General has spent the week meeting some of those whose lives have been upended by conflict in Ethiopia, but also hearing stories of hope that point towards the “indispensable” value of a return to lasting peace across the African nation.
There is a clear dual recognition of both the challenge faced by the UNDS as it responded, and continues to respond, to the socio-economic effects of the rapidly changing COVID-19 pandemic and the essential role played by the reform process in enabling and, potentially, accelerating that response.
FGM is prevalent in 30 countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. It has no health benefits, and, as the World Health Organization reports, it can pose serious threats to women and future newborns.