U.N. report forecasts 3.2% economic drop
The world economy is projected to shrink by 3.2% in 2020 — its biggest contraction since the 1930s Great Depression — due to the pandemic.
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Global COVID-19 cases exceed 3 million
Global confirmed cases of COVID-19 passed 3 million as New Zealand, several European nations and a few U.S. states took steps to ease lockdowns.
U.N. finds abuses with some lockdowns
The U.N. human rights chief warned some governments are abusing emergency powers to fight the pandemic by resorting to police brutality and other tactics.
WHO aid is latest U.S.-China battleground
China raised its donations for the WHO's pandemic efforts to US$50 million a week after U.S. President Donald Trump halted the U.N. agency's U.S. funding.
IRENA says renewable energy boosts GDP
Governments could use energy transformations to create jobs, meet climate targets and produce GDP gains of US$98 trillion by 2050, according to a new report.
AfDB announces $10 billion virus plan
The African Development Bank Group launched emergency measures to provide up to $10 billion in credit for those struggling with the coronavirus pandemic.
WHO chief repudiates Trump scapegoating
Two weeks after praising U.S. leadership in the pandemic, the U.N. health agency chief pushed back against White House attempts at scapegoating.
Uprooted 70 million at risk in virus spread
The coronavirus pandemic threatens to disproportionately harm more than 70 million people who have been forcibly displaced by wars and violent crises.
U.N. launches $2 billion anti-virus plan
The U.N. asked governments and private donors to provide $2 billion to meet emergency health needs in the poorest countries coping with the pandemic.
Europe's mixed progress toward U.N. goals
Air pollution levels exceed recommended health limits in all but 10 mainly European countries, but most lowered carbon emissions and expanded forest cover.
Syria's horrific war marks grim milestone
Almost 5 million children in Syria have known nothing but war for nine years while another 1 million were born as refugees into a harsh life, UNICEF reported.
E.U. offers A.U. new strategy for relations
The E.U. has a new strategy for relations with the A.U. that emphasizes an overhaul in climate and digital policies to end a legacy of colonialism and aid.
ICC allows Afghanistan war crimes probe
The ICC ruled unanimously to authorize an investigation into alleged war crimes in Afghanistan by the Taliban, Afghan military and American-led forces.
Ex-U.N. chief Pérez de Cuéllar dies at 100
Javier Pérez de Cuéllar, the fifth U.N. chief from 1982 to 1991, who arranged an Iraq-Iran cease-fire and aided democracy in his native Peru, died at age 100.
Democracy on decline in health checkup
Freedom House warned of a continued decline in global democracy in an annual checkup blaming a "leaderless struggle" undercut by autocrats and populists.
U.N. agencies say kids lose 'liveable planet'
Children who grow up in countries least responsible for global warming suffer twice as many health problems as wealthier nations that pollute the most.