Daily Wrap

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Daily Wrap 15 September 2020 UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe New General Assembly underscores 'necessity of multilateralism' The 75th session of the UN General Assembly opened on Monday with a moment of silence against the unprecedented backdrop of the COVID pandemic, as the new president told delegates that the coronavirus had driven home the value of multilateralism "to address our collective challenges".  UN Affairs San Francisco Fire Department Climate change: Record northern heat, fuels concerns over US wildfire destruction The northern hemisphere experienced its warmest August ever, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said on Tuesday, amid searing conditions that have contributed to devastating wildfires on the west coast of the United States. Climate Change YPN for UNOCHA Famine threat returns to Yemen, amid upsurge in fighting The spectre of famine has returned to Yemen as donor countries fail to make good on their 2020 pledges, amidst an upsurge in fighting, fresh hurdles for aid deliveries, and ongoing efforts to nail down a nationwide ceasefire, the Security Council heard on Tuesday. Peace and Security © UNICEF/Omar Albam Syria: Bombshell report reveals 'no clean hands' as horrific rights violations continue  Despite a reduction in largescale hostilities since a ceasefire in March, the UN Syrian Commission of Inquiry reported on Monday that armed actors continue to subject civilians to horrific and increasingly targeted abuse. Human Rights ILRI/Barbara Wieland UN report highlights links between 'unprecedented biodiversity loss' and spread of disease The continued degradation of the environment is increasing the likelihood of diseases spreading from animals to humans, warns a UN report on biodiversity, released on Tuesday. Health UNDP/Rochan Kadariya UN urges a more equal, inclusive world, marking International Day of Democracy The United Nations marked the annual International Day of Democracy, on Tuesday, calling on world leaders to build a more equal, inclusive and sustainable world, with full respect for human rights.  Human Rights UN News/Ben Dotsei Malor EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Shortsighted and 'stupid mistake' not to support affordable COVID vaccine for all, says Guterres The march of COVID-19 which has "put us on our knees", should be a lesson in humility for world leaders, and a lack of solidarity on the part of some richer nations towards developing countries, means we will all pay a heavy price, the UN chief has told UN News, in an exclusive interview ahead of the new General Assembly session.  Health Coronavirus Portal & News Updates Readers can find information and guidance on the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) from the UN, World Health Organization and UN agencies here. For daily news updates from UN News, click here. unsubscribe from this list | update subscription preferences