Week in Review

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Weekly Wrap 11 September 2020 WHO/Lindsay Mackenzie WHO warns against potential Ebola spread in DR Congo and beyond Ebola is spreading in a western province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), raising fears that the disease could reach neighbouring Republic of Congo and even the capital, Kinshasa, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday.    Health © UNICEF/Ron Haviv VII Photo New fires at Greek island refugee camp destroy last remaining shelters Fresh fires at a Greek island centre for thousands of refugees and migrants, have destroyed all remaining accommodation for those affected by the initial blaze on Tuesday evening. Migrants and Refugees WHO/P. Phutpheng Leaders pledge 'quantum leap' towards fully funding COVID-19 vaccines and treatments   Global leaders, including more than 30 Heads of State and Ministers, have underlined their commitment towards fast-tracking the development and production of COVID-19 tests, medicines and vaccines, that will be available for anyone, anywhere, who needs them.  Health UNICEF/Christopher Morris Security Council demands an end to attacks on schools worldwide The Security Council on Thursday demanded a halt to attacks on schools, together with students and teachers in conflict zones around the world, in a presidential statement coinciding with the first International Day to Protect Education from Attack. Peace and Security UNDP Honduras Nations of the South display spirit of 'global solidarity' – UN chief "The spirit of South-South cooperation and global solidarity", is alive and well across the hemisphere as the word grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, said the UN chief in a message relayed to countries of the Global South on Thursday.  SDGs Kseniya Halubovich Belarus: Ensure 'full respect' for workers' rights during protests, ILO urges President Lukashenko Voicing deep concern over detention and arrests of trade unionists in Belarus, the head of the UN International Labour Organization (ILO) called on President Alexander Lukashenko to ensure a climate free from violence and intimidation against peacefully protesting workers.  Human Rights UNDP Colombia/Mauricio Enriquez O. Science, solidarity and solutions needed against climate change: Guterres  Concentrations of greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere are at record levels, and emissions that saw a temporary decline due to the pandemic are heading towards pre-COVID levels, while global temperatures continue to hit new highs, according to a major new UN report. Climate Change WMO/Boris Palma Build a better future with blue skies for all, UN urges, marking first International Day of Clean Air The first International Day of Clean Air for blue skies is being commemorated around the world, on Monday, following the recognition by the United Nations General Assembly of the importance of clean air for the health and day-to-day lives of people.  SDGs YPN for UNOCHA Fresh war crimes fears highlighted in new Yemen report The war in Yemen continues to ravage the country and its people, senior UN-appointed rights investigators said on Wednesday, in a call for an international probe into suspected war crimes, and sanctions against the perpetrators.   Human Rights © UNICEF/UN0159228/Naftalin Serious knowledge gaps must be bridged to battle deadly sepsis infections Efforts to tackle sepsis, which can damage multiple organs and result in death, are hampered by "serious gaps in knowledge", particularly in low- and middle-income countries, according to a report launch on Wednesday by the World Health Organization (WHO).  Health UN Photo/Manuel Elias Quiet corridors but a full programme at virtual UNGA75: five things you need to know The 75th UN General Assembly (UNGA) session, begins on 15 September and this year, due to the ongoing global pandemic, it will be unlike any other in the organization's three quarters of a century of existence.  SDGs UNICEF/Noorani Children's lives at stake, COVID threatens to undo 30 years of 'remarkable progress' COVID-19 threatens to undo decades of hard-fought progress in reducing deaths of children under the age of five, UN agencies have warned, calling on countries to ensure vital health services for children and women do not falter amid the global crisis. Health WFP/Ana Buitron Finance Ministers meet to refine 'single ambitious menu' for COVID-19 recovery and beyond The UN Deputy Secretary-General has reminded Finance Ministers from across the world of their duty to help countries emerge from the social and economic chaos brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.  SDGs UN Photo/Laura Jarriel Alexei Navalny poisoning must get independent probe, says UN's Bachelet   UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet on Tuesday urged Russia to carry out or cooperate with a rapid and transparent criminal investigation into the poisoning of opposition activist Alexei Navalny.   Human Rights ILO/Alin Sirisaksopit Investments in public health, an investment in safer future, urges Tedros The world must be ready when the next pandemic comes, the head of the UN World Health Organization (WHO) has said, urging countries to invest more in public health as part of their efforts to recover from COVID-19.  Health WFP/Marwa Awad Burkina Faso: Over 535,000 children under five 'acutely' malnourished New data from UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) has revealed worsening nutritional situation for children in Burkina Faso, with more than 535,000 children under the age of five suffering from acute malnutrition – an unprecedented level.  Humanitarian Aid IOM/Mohammed Inaction has been fatal, says UNHCR, as dozens of Rohingya refugees perish at sea Dozens of Rohingya refugees are believed to have died in the Andaman sea after spending more than 200 days afloat, owing to a "collective unwillingness" of countries to take them in, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) said.  Migrants and Refugees 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. 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