Global coronavirus cases surpass 200 million
Confirmed cases of coronavirus worldwide topped 200 million with 4.25 million deaths, amid a surge in highly transmissible delta variant infections.
United Kingdom (U.K.)
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U.N. rights chief decries reported Israeli spyware abuse on journalists
Michelle Bachelet said reports about the use of Pegasus software for spying 'seem to confirm some of the worst fears.'
U.N. extends humanitarian aid border crossing to rebel-held Syria
The U.N. approved a compromise to keep open Syria's last non-government controlled border crossing for aid.
U.S. blocking call for Israel-Hamas cease-fire
The U.S. prevented the U.N. Security Council from issuing a statement calling for an immediate cease-fire between Israel and Gaza’s militant Hamas rulers.
U.N. appeal falls short of Yemen's needs
International donors contributed US$1.7 billion for people starving in Yemen, an amount that leaders of humanitarian organizations called disappointing.
Nations debate call for 'vaccination cease-fire' in conflict zones
The U.N. took up a proposal calling for cease-fires in conflict zones to allow deliveries of coronavirus vaccines.
Myanmar coup raises stakes for investigations into rights abuses
Leaders fear the fall of a democratically elected government will trigger a human rights crisis as the junta returns to power.
Vaccine nationalism clouds the world's pandemic recovery efforts
Rich countries locked up most of the COVID-19 vaccine supply despite the COVAX Facility's efforts to provide equal access.
U.K. and E.U. reach post-Brexit trade deal
Britain reached a tentative free-trade deal to lessen the chaos of its departure from the European Union, the world's biggest trading bloc.
Swiss achieve first full-blown vaccine approval
Switzerland announced it has become the first government in the world to approve a coronavirus vaccine using a standard process of regulatory approval.
Big pharma sees wide use of vaccines by late 2021
Several CEOs of leading drugmakers expressed confidence the pandemic can be brought under control starting sometime in the second half of next year.
WHO plugs need for testing even after vaccines
Even after COVID-19 vaccines become available, nations must offer widespread testing against infections to end the pandemic, WHO's chief said.
Biden U.N. pick signals U.S. return to alliances
U.S. President-elect Joe Biden’s selection of Linda Thomas-Greenfield to serve as ambassador to the U.N. signals America's pivot back to multilateralism.
Libyan sides agree to 2021 nationwide elections
Libya’s two main warring factions agreed to hold nationwide elections on December 24, 2021, the U.N. acting envoy for Libya said.
Envoy says 126 nations seek carbon neutrality
The top U.N. official for global climate action said 65% of the world body's 193 member nations will seek net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Head of WHO enters self-quarantine over virus
WHO's chief said he will self-quarantine because he was identified as a contact of someone who tested positive for COVID-19, as a second wave hits Europe.