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.
Africa
Africa is the world's second-largest and second-most populous continent, home to 54 recognized countries. With the world's youngest population, over 60% of its inhabitants are under the age of 25, creating both opportunities for innovation and challenges for job creation.
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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.
Experts fear perfect storm of desert locusts
East Africa faces the worst invasion of desert locust swarms in decades from a new generation of the world’s oldest and most destructive migratory pest.
A.U. seeks new ways of 'silencing the guns'
A.U. leaders pledged to devote more resources to mediating an end to regional violence from a surge in civil wars and conflicts among warring groups.
Macron maps post-Brexit E.U. nuclear role
French President Emmanuel Macron put forward a new doctrine for France to lead the European Union in reducing the global threat of a nuclear arms race.
China to let WHO send in experts on virus
Chinese officials agreed to allow WHO's experts to enter as soon as possible and help to combat a coronavirus outbreak that has killed more than 100 people.
Libya clashes resume despite interventions
Renewed fighting ended a fragile cease-fire in Libya as U.N. officials urged warring parties to investigate airstrikes that killed at least 53 people last July.
TI index shows anti-corruption efforts lag
Most nations had little to no improvement last year in fighting corruption that was "more pervasive" whenever big money influenced elections or governments.
U.N. panel bolsters climate asylum seekers
Ioane Teitiota lost his case against deportation, but in its ruling the U.N. Human Rights Committee said people fleeing climate change may claim asylum.
UNCTAD says growth rate fell in 2019
The global economy slowed to a 2.3% growth rate last year, its lowest of the decade, from rising trade tensions and slowing investment, UNCTAD said.