What is a coronavirus? Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19.
What is COVID-19? COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.
Source: World Health Organization (WHO) – Q&A on coronaviruses
UN launches COVID-19 plan that could ‘defeat the virus and build a better world’ (UN News, 31 March 2020):
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/03/1060702
UN issues $2 billion appeal to combat COVID-19 (25 March 2020):
https://www.unocha.org/story/un-issues-2-billion-appeal-combat-covid-19
UN chief calls for global ceasefire to focus on ‘the true fight of our lives’
(UN News, 23 March 2020):
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/03/1059972
‘Solidarity, hope’ and coordinated global response needed to tackle COVID-19 pandemic, says UN chief (UN News, 19 March 2020):
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/03/1059752
Guterres urges prudence not panic (13 March 2020):
https://youtu.be/ubJaJPRdoMk
Five things you should know now, about the COVID-19 pandemic
(UN News Centre, 16 March 2020):
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/03/1059261
UN Entities
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- Health Topics – Coronavirus: https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus
- Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak: https://www.who.int/covid-19
- World experts and funders set priorities for COVID-19 research (12 February 2020): https://un4.me/2uznEgi
- WHO declares the new coronavirus outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern – Statement on the second meeting of the International Health Regulations (2005) Emergency Committee regarding the outbreak of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) (30 January 2020): https://un4.me/2S4Zi5F
- Rolling updates on coronavirus disease (COVID-19):
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/events-as-they-happen- WHO releases guidelines to help countries maintain essential health services during the COVID-19 pandemic (30 March 2020): https://un4.me/3dAYGi2
- Pass the message: Five steps to kicking out coronavirus: WHO, FIFA launch joint campaign to equip football community to tackle COVID-19 (23 March 2020): https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/23-03-2020-pass-the-message-five-steps-to-kicking-out-coronavirus
- WHO Health Alert brings COVID-19 facts to billions via WhatsApp (20 March 2020): https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/who-health-alert-brings-covid-19-facts-to-billions-via-whatsapp
- WHO, UN Foundation and partners launch first-of-its-kind COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund (13 March 2020): https://un4.me/2ITKqmw
- WHO characterizes COVID-19 as a pandemic (11 March 2020): https://un4.me/2wNmAGc
- WHO Western Pacific – Outbreaks and emergencies – Novel Coronavirus: https://www.who.int/westernpacific/emergencies/novel-coronavirus
- WHO Europe – Novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV): :
http://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/health-emergencies/coronavirus-covid-19-
- Food and nutrition during self-quarantine: what to choose and how to eat healthily (27 March 2020): https://un4.me/2w3GRYc
- Mental health and COVID-19 – new resources: http://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/noncommunicable-diseases/mental-health/data-and-resources/mental-health-and-covid-19
- Mental health and psychological resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic (27 March 2020): https://un4.me/3bAazTz
- Physical and mental health key to resilience during COVID-19 pandemic: Statement to the press by Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe (26 March 2020): https://un4.me/2UJfWt3
- How to stay physically active during COVID-19 self-quarantine (25 March 2020): https://un4.me/2wscU4h
- Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): European Region focusing on readiness
(14 February 2020): https://un4.me/3a2h28W - Novel coronavirus outbreak in China – What does it mean for Europe? (24 January 2020): https://un4.me/2RGX1P2
-
- Situation reports: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/situation-reports/
- Travel advice: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/travel-advice
- Advice for public / Infographics: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
- Myth busters: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters
- Coronavirus Scam Alert – Beware of criminals pretending to be WHO:
https://www.who.int/about/communications/cyber-security - COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund:
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/donate
- United Nations
- Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): https://www.un.org/en/coronavirus
- Impact of COVID-19 on UN Peacekeeping: https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/impact-of-covid-19-un-peacekeeping
- Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA)
- UN DESA portal launched on response to COVID-19: https://www.un.org/development/desa/en/covid-19.html
- Web portal for the statistical community:
https://covid-19-response.unstatshub.org/ - COVID-19 Outbreak and Persons with Disabilities: https://www.un.org/development/desa/disabilities/covid-19.html
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
- Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak: http://www.fao.org/2019-ncov/en/
- COVID-19 – Impact on food and agriculture: http://www.fao.org/2019-ncov/q-and-a/en/
- Mitigating impacts of COVID-19 on food trade and markets: Joint Statement by QU Dongyu, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and Roberto Azevedo, Directors-General of FAO, WHO and WTO (31 March 2020): http://www.fao.org/news/story/en/item/1268719/icode/
- A battle plan for ensuring global food supplies during the COVID-19 crisis: FAO’s Chief Economist maps the ways the world can mitigate shocks to agriculture and food systems (26 March 2020): http://www.fao.org/news/story/en/item/1268059/icode/
- International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
- How is the COVID-19 Virus Detected using Real Time RT-PCR? (27 March 2020): https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/how-is-the-covid-19-virus-detected-using-real-time-rt-pcr
- IAEA to Support Countries in the Detection of Novel Coronavirus (9 March 2020): https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/pressreleases/iaea-to-support-countries-in-the-detection-of-novel-coronavirus
- International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
- Aviation and COVID-19: https://www.icao.int/Security/COVID-19/Pages/default.aspx
- ICAO assisting with humanitarian flight operations during COVID-19 (25 March 2020): https://www.icao.int/Newsroom/Pages/ICAO-assisting-with-humanitarian-flight-operations-during-COVID19.aspx
- Collaborative Arrangement for the Prevention and Management of Public Health Events in Civil Aviation – CAPSCA Website COVID-19 area: https://www.capsca.org/CoronaVirusRefs.html
- Improved coordination and awareness urged as COVID-19 impacts continue to be felt worldwide (24 March 2020): https://www.icao.int/Newsroom/Pages/Improved-coordination-and-awareness-urged-as-COVID19-impacts-continue-to-be-felt-worldwide.aspx
- ICAO, IMO, and UNWTO call for urgent actions to help the aviation and tourism sector withstand COVID-19 impacts (20 March 2020): https://www.icao.int/Newsroom/Pages/ICAO-IMO-and–UNWTO-call-for-urgent-actions-to-help-the-aviation-and-tourism-sector-withstand-COVID19-impacts-.aspx
- ICAO-WHO publish joint statement on COVID-19 (6 March 2020): https://www.icao.int/Newsroom/Pages/ICAO-WHO-publish-joint-statement-on-COVID-19.aspx
- International Fund for Agricultural Development IFAD
- COVID-19 pandemic: https://www.ifad.org/en/covid19
- International Labour Organisation (ILO)
- COVID-19 and the world of work: https://www.ilo.org/global/topics/coronavirus/lang–en/index.htm
- Treat seafarers with “dignity and respect” during COVID-19 crisis (31 March 2020): https://www.ilo.org/global/about-the-ilo/newsroom/news/WCMS_740307/lang–en/index.htm
- New guidelines to help employers support families during COVID-19 (30 March 2020): https://www.ilo.org/global/about-the-ilo/newsroom/news/WCMS_740217/lang–en/index.htm
- Comment – COVID-19 cruelly highlights inequalities and threatens to deepen them (30 March 2020): https://www.ilo.org/global/about-the-ilo/newsroom/news/WCMS_740101/lang–en/index.htm
- Comment – COVID-19 has exposed the fragility of our economies (27 March 2020): https://www.ilo.org/global/about-the-ilo/newsroom/news/WCMS_739961/lang–en/index.htm
- Keys for effective teleworking during the COVID-19 pandemic (26 March 2020): https://www.ilo.org/global/about-the-ilo/newsroom/news/WCMS_739879/lang–en/index.htm
- Op-Ed – COVID-19: Social protection systems failing vulnerable groups (25 March 2020): https://www.ilo.org/global/about-the-ilo/newsroom/news/WCMS_739678/lang–en/index.htm
- Almost 25 million jobs could be lost worldwide as a result of COVID-19, says ILO (18 March 2020): https://www.ilo.org/global/about-the-ilo/newsroom/news/WCMS_738742/lang–en/index.htm
- International Maritime Organization (IMO)
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) – advice for seafarers and shipping: http://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/HotTopics/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx
- International Monetary Fund (IMF)
- The IMF and COVID-19 (Coronavirus): https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19
- Europe’s COVID-19 Crisis and the Fund’s Response (30 March 2020): https://blogs.imf.org/2020/03/30/europes-covid-19-crisis-and-the-funds-response/
- IMF Enhances Debt Relief Trust to Enable Support for Eligible Low-Income Countries in the Wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic (27 March 2020): https://un4.me/3arzSas
- Policy Steps to Address the Corona Crisis (Policy Paper, 16 March 2020): https://un4.me/2IT5eum
- How the IMF can help countries address the economic impact of Coronavirus (Factsheet, 2 March 2020): https://un4.me/2VLFsjq
- IMF makes available $50 Billion to help address Coronavirus (4 March 2020): https://un4.me/3dID83k
- Statement by the IMFC – The IMF’s 189 member countries stand united to address global challenges posed by COVID-19 (4 March 2020): https://un4.me/3dDK7Kx
- International Narcotics Control Board (INCB)
- The International Narcotics Control Board calls on governments to ensure continued access to controlled medicines for pain relief and palliative care and for mental health and neurological conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic (17 March 2020): https://un4.me/3d39BRv
- COVID 19 – INCB continues to ensure functioning of international system for trade in controlled substances to ensure their availability for medical, scientific, and legitimate industrial purposes (12 March 2020): https://un4.me/39333Ps
- International Organization for Migration (IOM)
- IOM Responds to Covid-19: https://www.iom.int/iom-responds-covid-19
- Mobility Restrictions COVID-19: https://migration.iom.int/
- The Rights and Health of Refugees, Migrants and Stateless Must be Protected in COVID-19 Response (31 March 2020): https://www.iom.int/news/rights-and-health-refugees-migrants-and-stateless-must-be-protected-covid-19-response
- IOM Informing Migrant Communities in Italy on Protection from COVID-19 (27 March 2020): https://www.iom.int/news/iom-informing-migrant-communities-italy-protection-covid-19
- COVID-19 Does Not Discriminate; Nor Should Our Response (20 March 2020): https://www.iom.int/news/covid-19-does-not-discriminate-nor-should-our-response
- International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
- ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao’s statement on the launch of a global platform to help protect telecommunication networks during the COVID-19 crisis (23 March 2020): https://www.itu.int/en/mediacentre/Pages/STMNT01-2020-global-platform-telecommunication-COVID-19.aspx
- Global Network Resiliency Platform (#REG4COVID): https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Regulatory-Market/Pages/REG4COVID.aspx
- United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
- OCHA and COVID-19: https://www.unocha.org/covid19
- ReliefWeb – COVID-19: https://reliefweb.int/topics/covid-19
- UN humanitarian chief: All of humanity must fight back against COVID-19 (30 March 2020): https://www.unocha.org/story/un-humanitarian-chief-all-humanity-must-fight-back-against-covid-19
- 5 ways humanitarians are responding to COVID-19 (27 March 2020): https://unocha.exposure.co/5-ways-humanitarians-are-responding-to-covid19
- OCHA and COVID-19 (20 March 2020): https://www.unocha.org/story/ocha-and-covid-19
- Humanitarian workers reiterate need for support to the most vulnerable during COVID-19 pandemic (20 March 2020): https://www.unocha.org/story/humanitarian-workers-reiterate-need-support-most-vulnerable-during-covid-19-pandemic
- COVID-19: How to include marginalized and vulnerable people in risk communication and community engagement (IFRC / OCHA / WHO): https://reliefweb.int/report/world/covid-19-how-include-marginalized-and-vulnerable-people-risk-communication-and
- UN releases $15 million to help vulnerable countries battle the spread of the coronavirus (1 March 2020): https://www.unocha.org/story/un-releases-15-million-help-vulnerable-countries-battle-spread-coronavirus
- ReliefWeb – “Epidemics”: https://reliefweb.int/updates?advanced-search=%28DT4642%29
- Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
- The rights and health of refugees, migrants and stateless must be protected in COVID-19 response: A joint statement by UNHCR, IOM, OHCHR and WHO (31 March 2020): https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=25762
- COVID-19: Economic sanctions should be lifted to prevent hunger crises – UN expert (31 March 2020): https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=25761
- Human rights experts call for immediate release of political prisoners and detainees in yemen given risk of spread of covid-19 (30 March 2020): https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=25759
- COVID-19 fears should not be exploited to attack and exclude minorities – UN expert (30 March 2020): https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=25757
- COVID-19: Measures needed to protect people deprived of liberty, UN torture prevention body says (30 March 2020): https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=25756
- Advice of the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture to States Parties and National Preventive Mechanisms relating to the Coronavirus Pandemic (adopted on 25th March 2020) (advance unedited version): https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/HRBodies/OPCAT/AdviceStatePartiesCoronavirusPandemic2020.pdf
- States must combat domestic violence in the context of COVID-19 lockdowns – UN rights expert (27 March 2020): https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=25749
- “Unacceptable” – UN expert urges better protection of older persons facing the highest risk of the COVID-19 pandemic (27 March 2020): https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=25748
- COVID-19: Health care heroes need protection – UN expert (27 March 2020): https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=25754
- No exceptions with COVID-19: “Everyone has the right to life-saving interventions” – UN experts say (26 March 2020): https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=25746
- Urgent action needed to prevent COVID-19 “rampaging through places of detention” – Bachelet (25 March 2020): https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=25745
- UN Human Rights Treaty Bodies call for human rights approach in fighting COVID-19 (24 March 2020): https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=25742
- Bachelet calls for easing of sanctions to enable medical systems to fight COVID-19 and limit global contagion (24 March 2020): https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=25744
- COVID-19 and human rights (23 March 2020): https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/COVID19andHR.aspx
- COVID-19 will not be stopped without providing safe water to people living in vulnerability – UN experts (23 March 2020): https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=25738
- States should take action against COVID-19-related expressions of xenophobia, says UN expert (23 March 2020): https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=25739
- “An immediate human rights response to counter the COVID-19 and the global recession ahead is an urgent priority,” says UN expert (20 March 2020): https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=25733
- COVID-19 does not discriminate; nor should our response (20 March 2020): https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=25730
- COVID-19: Governments must promote and protect access to and free flow of information during pandemic – International experts (19 March 2020): https://www.ohchr.org/en/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=25729
- COVID-19: Israel has ‘legal duty’ to ensure that Palestinians in OPT receive essential health services – UN expert (19 March 2020): https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=25728
- “Housing, the front line defence against the COVID-19 outbreak,” says UN expert (18 March 2020): https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=25727
- COVID-19: Who is protecting the people with disabilities? – UN rights expert (17 March 2020): https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=25725
- COVID-19: States should not abuse emergency measures to suppress human rights – UN experts (16 March 2020): https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=25722
- Coronavirus: Human rights need to be front and centre in response, says Bachelet (6 March 2020): https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=25668
- UN WOMEN
- In Focus: Gender equality matters in COVID-19 response: https://www.unwomen.org/en/news/in-focus/in-focus-gender-equality-in-covid-19-response
- Take five: “We need to have a common vision and ideology to advocate for the rights of all women and girls with one voice” (30 March 2020): https://www.unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2020/3/take-five-with-getrude-mligo
- Greater support needed for working families as COVID-19 takes hold (30 March 2020): https://www.unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2020/3/press-release-support-for-working-families-as-covid-19-takes-hold
- Family-friendly policies and other good workplace practices in the context of COVID-19: Key steps employers can take: https://un4.me/3dB85GB
- Women and COVID-19: Five things governments can do now (25 March 2020): https://www.unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2020/3/news-women-and-covid-19-governments-actions-by-ded-bhatia
- Checklist for COVID-19 response by UN Women Deputy Executive Director Åsa Regnér (20 March 2020): https://www.unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2020/3/news-checklist-for-covid-19-response-by-ded-regner
- COVID-19: Women front and centre (20 March 2020): https://www.unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2020/3/statement-ed-phumzile-covid-19-women-front-and-centre
- Paying attention to women’s needs and leadership will strengthen COVID-19 response (19 March 2020): https://www.unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2020/3/news-womens-needs-and-leadership-in-covid-19-response
- United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)
- Local and regional leaders showcase the value of public services to respond to the COVID-19 crisis (26 March 2020): https://unhabitat.org/local-and-regional-leaders-showcase-the-value-of-public-services-to-respond-to-the-covid-19-crisis
- UN-Habitat COVID-19 Key Messages on Informal Settlements: https://unhabitat.org/sites/default/files/2020/03/english_final_un-habitat_key_messages-covid19-informal_settlements.pdf
- UN-Habitat Covid-19 Key messages: https://unhabitat.org/sites/default/files/2020/03/covid19_key_messages_eng_1.pdf
- What Water and Sanitation Operators Can do in the Fight Against COVID-19 (22 March 2020): https://unhabitat.org/what-water-and-sanitation-operators-can-do-in-the-fight-against-covid-19
- Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS)
- COVID-19 and HIV: https://www.unaids.org/en/20200317_covid19_hiv
- UNAIDS calls for a human rights approach to the COVID-19 outbreak that puts communities at the centre (20 March 2020): https://www.unaids.org/en/resources/presscentre/pressreleaseandstatementarchive/2020/march/20200320_human-rights-approach-covid-19
- Chains of solidarity and kindness during the COVID-19 outbreak (20 March 2020): https://www.unaids.org/en/resources/presscentre/featurestories/2020/march/20200320_chains-of-solidarity
- Opinion: Successful global epidemic responses put people at the centre (12 March 2020): https://www.unaids.org/en/resources/presscentre/featurestories/2020/march/20200312_covid-19
- United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF)
- UNCDF Response to COVID-19: https://www.uncdf.org/article/5452/covid-19
- United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) : News, Analysis and Resources: https://unctad.org/en/Pages/coronavirus.aspx
- UN calls for $2.5 trillion coronavirus crisis package for developing countries (30 March 2020): https://unctad.org/en/pages/newsdetails.aspx?OriginalVersionID=2315
- Trade and Development Report Update: The Covid-19 Shock to Developing Countries:Towards a “whatever it takes” programme for the two-thirds of the world’s population being left behind: https://unctad.org/en/PublicationsLibrary/gds_tdr2019_covid2_en.pdf
- Coronavirus could cut global investment by 40%, new estimates show (26 March 2020): https://unctad.org/en/pages/newsdetails.aspx?OriginalVersionID=2313
- Global Investment Trend Monitor, No. 35 [Special Coronavirus Edition]: https://unctad.org/en/PublicationsLibrary/diaeiainf2020d3_en.pdf
- #Tourism – A life line in free fall (26 March 2020): https://unctad.org/en/pages/newsdetails.aspx?OriginalVersionID=2312
- Coronavirus: Can policymakers avert a trillion-dollar crisis? (9 March 2020): https://unctad.org/en/pages/newsdetails.aspx?OriginalVersionID=2300
- Coronavirus could shrink global FDI by 5% to 15% (8 March 2020): https://unctad.org/en/pages/newsdetails.aspx?OriginalVersionID=2299
- Short-terms effects of the coronavirus outbreak: what does the shipping data say? (4 March 2020): https://unctad.org/en/pages/newsdetails.aspx?OriginalVersionID=2296
- Global trade impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Epidemic (UNCTAD Technical Note, 4 March 2020): https://unctad.org/en/PublicationsLibrary/ditcinf2020d1.pdf
- United Nations Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Resource Centre (UNDDR)
- Disaster expert shares COVID-19 lessons from China (27 March 2020): https://www.undrr.org/news/disaster-expert-shares-covid-19-lessons-china
- How South Korea is suppressing COVID-19 (25 March 2020): https://www.undrr.org/news/how-south-korea-suppressing-covid-19
- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
- COVID-19 pandemic (12 March 2020): https://www.undp.org/covid-19-pandemic-response.html
- COVID-19: Looming crisis in developing countries threatens to devastate economies and ramp up inequality (30 March 2020): https://un4.me/2yhfqL2
- UNDP support for coronavirus-affected countries goes beyond health / Asako Okai, Assistant Secretary General & Director, UNDP Crisis Bureau (28 March 2020): https://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/blog/2020/undp-support-for-coronavirus-affected-countries-goes-beyond-heal.html
- COVID-19: WHO, UNICEF and UNDP Partner with WhatsApp to Get Real Time Health Information to Billions around the World (18 March 2020): https://un4.me/2wqlRLb
- Highest level of political commitment needed to fight COVID-19 (10 March 2020): https://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/stories/highest-level-of-political-commitment-needed-to-fight-covid-19.html
- United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA)
- African finance ministers: urgent need for $100bn immediate emergency financing for COVID-19 (31 March 2020): https://www.uneca.org/stories/african-finance-ministers-urgent-need-100bn-immediate-emergency-financing-covid-19
- Three Things the G20 must do to support Africa in COVID-19 Pandemic (26 March 2020): https://www.uneca.org/stories/three-things-g20-must-do-support-africa-covid-19-pandemic
Opinion – Emergency response to Africa by the G20 is our collective insurance (26 March 2020): https://www.uneca.org/stories/emergency-response-africa-g20-our-collective-insurance - African Finance Ministers call for coordinated COVID-19 response to mitigate adverse impact on economies and society (23 March 2020):
https://www.uneca.org/stories/african-finance-ministers-call-coordinated-covid-19-response-mitigate-adverse-impact - ECA estimates billions worth of losses in Africa due to COVID-19 impact (13 March 2020): https://www.uneca.org/stories/eca-estimates-billions-worth-losses-africa-due-covid-19-impact
- United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)
- In response to COVID-19, countries coordinate efforts to guarantee the delivery of medical supplies, including oxygen (27 March 2020): https://un4.me/3bBUwVn
- UNECE launches Observatory on Border Crossings Status due to COVID-19 and calls on all countries to facilitate flow of goods to maximum extent possible
(24 March 2020): https://un4.me/33Kyddg
- United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
- COVID-19 and the nature trade-off paradigm (31 April 2020): https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/covid-19-and-nature-trade-paradigm
- Waste management an essential public service in the fight to beat COVID-19 (24 March 2020): https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/press-release/waste-management-essential-public-service-fight-beat-covid-19
- COVID-19 updates from the United Nations Environment Programme (19 March 2020): https://www.unenvironment.org/news-and-stories/story/covid-19-updates-united-nations-environment-programme
- United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
- UNESCO’s Response to COVID-19: https://en.unesco.org/covid19-response
- COVID-19 Educational Disruption and Response: https://en.unesco.org/themes/education-emergencies/coronavirus-school-closures
- Global Education Coalition for COVID-19 Response — #Learning never stops: https://en.unesco.org/covid19/educationglobalcoalition
- UNESCO to support media in developing countries to face Coronavirus challenge (31 March 2020): https://en.unesco.org/news/unesco-support-media-developing-countries-face-coronavirus-challenge
- Covid-19 school closures around the world will hit girls hardest (31 March 2020): https://en.unesco.org/news/covid-19-school-closures-around-world-will-hit-girls-hardest
- UNESCO mobilizes 122 countries to promote open science and reinforced cooperation in the face of COVID-19 (30 March 2020): https://en.unesco.org/news/unesco-mobilizes-122-countries-promote-open-science-and-reinforced-cooperation-face-covid-19
- How is the coronavirus affecting learners with disabilities? (30 March 2020): https://gemreportunesco.wordpress.com/2020/03/30/how-is-the-coronavirus-affecting-learners-with-disabilities/
- Motivating children during remote learning: Tips for Teachers and Parents (30 March 2020): https://en.unesco.org/news/motivating-children-during-remote-learning-tips-teachers-and-parents
- UNESCO stresses importance of safety of journalists amid COVID-19 pandemic (27 March 2020): https://en.unesco.org/news/unesco-stresses-importance-safety-journalists-amid-covid-19-pandemic
- UNESCO rallies international organizations, civil society and private sector partners in a broad Coalition to ensure #LearningNeverStops (26 March 2020): https://en.unesco.org/news/unesco-rallies-international-organizations-civil-society-and-private-sector-partners-broad
- 1.37 billion students now home as COVID-19 school closures expand, ministers scale up multimedia approaches to ensure learning continuity (24 March 2020): https://en.unesco.org/news/137-billion-students-now-home-covid-19-school-closures-expand-ministers-scale-multimedia
- Amidst global school closures UNESCO’s Futures of Education initiative receives strong support (20 March 2020): https://en.unesco.org/news/amidst-global-school-closures-unescos-futures-education-initiative-receives-strong-support
- Half of world’s student population not attending school: UNESCO launches global coalition to accelerate deployment of remote learning solutions (18 March 2020): https://en.unesco.org/news/half-worlds-student-population-not-attending-school-unesco-launches-global-coalition-accelerate
- Corona Virus Media Watch launched by UNESCO’s International Research Centre on Artificial Intelligence in Slovenia (17 March 2020):
https://en.unesco.org/news/corona-virus-media-watch-launched-unescos-international-research-centre-artificial-intelligence - With one in five learners kept out of school, UNESCO mobilizes education ministers to face the COVID-19 crisis (10 March 2020): https://en.unesco.org/news/one-five-learners-kept-out-school-unesco-mobilizes-education-ministers-face-covid-19-crisis
- How to plan distance learning solutions during temporary schools closures (6 March 2020): https://en.unesco.org/news/how-plan-distance-learning-solutions-during-temporary-schools-closures
- 290 million students out of school due to COVID-19: UNESCO releases first global numbers and mobilizes response (4 March 2020): https://en.unesco.org/news/290-million-students-out-school-due-covid-19-unesco-releases-first-global-numbers-and-mobilizes
- United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UNESCWA)
- At least 1.7 million jobs will be lost in the Arab region due to the coronavirus pandemic (18 March 2020): https://www.unescwa.org/news/least-17-million-jobs-will-be-lost-arab-region-due-coronavirus-pandemic
- United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
- COVID-19 pandemic: https://www.unfpa.org/covid19
- UNFPA Appeal: Coronavirus Emergency – Protect Pregnant Women, New Mothers and Newborns: https://donate.unfpa.org/us-en/covid-19-3
- Women, girls, health workers must not be overlooked in global COVID-19 response (26 March 2020): https://www.unfpa.org/press/women-girls-health-workers-must-not-be-overlooked-global-covid-19-response
- As pandemic rages, women and girls face intensified risks (19 March 2020): https://www.unfpa.org/news/pandemic-rages-women-and-girls-face-intensified-risks
- Safe Delivery – Even Now UNFPA Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Global Response Appeal (19 March 2020): https://www.unfpa.org/updates/safe-delivery-even-now-unfpa-coronavirus-disease-covid-19-global-response-appeal
- As COVID-19 continues to spread, pregnant and breastfeeding women advised to take precautions (5 March 2020): https://www.unfpa.org/news/covid-19-continues-spread-pregnant-and-breastfeeding-women-advised-take-precautions
- UNFPA statement on novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and pregnancy (5 March 2020): https://www.unfpa.org/press/unfpa-statement-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-and-pregnancy
- United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
- Urgent Appeal for Coronavirus (COVID-19): https://donate.unhcr.org/int/coronavirus-emergency/~my-donation
- UNHCR: Staying and delivering for refugees amid COVID-19 crisis (31 March 2020): https://www.unhcr.org/news/press/2020/3/5e8202a64/unhcr-staying-delivering-refugees-amid-covid-19-crisis.html
- Q&A: Access to health services is key to halting COVID-19 and saving refugee live (27 March 2020): https://www.unhcr.org/news/latest/2020/3/5e7dab2c4/
- Live blog: Refugees in the COVID-19 crisis (25 March 2020): https://www.unhcr.org/news/stories/2020/3/5e79e2410/
- UNHCR seeks US$255 million to respond to COVID-19 outbreak (25 March 2020): https://www.unhcr.org/news/stories/2020/3/5e7b57e90/
- Statement by Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, on the COVID-19 crisis (19 March 2020): https://un4.me/396rU59
- The coronavirus outbreak is a test of our systems, values and humanity / By Michelle Bachelet and Filippo Grandi (12 March 2020): https://www.unhcr.org/news/latest/2020/3/5e69eea54/
- UN Refugee Agency steps up COVID-19 preparedness, prevention and response measures (10 March 2020): https://www.unhcr.org/news/press/2020/3/5e677f634/
- United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
- Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) – What you need to know about the virus to protect you and your family: https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/covid-19
- Fact or fiction: How much do you know about the coronavirus disease (COVID-19)? https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/fact-or-fiction-how-much-do-you-actually-know-about-coronavirus-covid-19
- Greater support needed for working families as COVID-19 takes hold – UNICEF and ILO (30 March 2020): https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/greater-support-needed-working-families-covid-19-takes-hold-unicef-and-ilo
- Despite challenges, UNICEF continues to ship vital supplies to affected countries amid soaring number of COVID-19 cases (27 March 2020): https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/despite-challenges-unicef-continues-ship-vital-supplies-affected-countries-amid
- COVID-19: Children at heightened risk of abuse, neglect, exploitation and violence amidst intensifying containment measures (20 March 2020): https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/covid-19-children-heightened-risk-abuse-neglect-exploitation-and-violence-amidst
- How teachers can talk to children about coronavirus disease (COVID-19) – Tips for having age appropriate discussions to reassure and protect children (13 March 2020): https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/how-teachers-can-talk-children-about-coronavirus-disease-covid-19
- UNICEF statement on COVID-19 outbreak (11 March 2020): https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/unicef-statement-covid-19-outbreak
- How to talk to your child about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): 8 tips to help comfort and protect children (11 March 2020): https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/how-talk-your-child-about-coronavirus-covid-19
- Key messages and actions for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) prevention and control in schools: Guidance from UNICEF, the World Health Organization and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies: https://www.unicef.org/reports/key-messages-actions-coronavirus-disease-prevention-control-schools
- Novel coronavirus outbreak – What parents should know: https://www.unicef.org/stories/novel-coronavirus-outbreak-what-parents-should-know
- UNICEF ships 6 metric tons of supplies to support China’s response to Novel Coronavirus outbreak (29 January 2020): https://un4.me/2HOXid3
- United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
- Information about the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/covid-19.html
- United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
- UNOPS pledges its support to help tackle the Coronavirus crisis (24 March 2020): https://www.unops.org/news-and-stories/news/unops-pledges-its-support-to-help-tackle-the-coronavirus-crisis
- United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)
- UNRWA responds to COVID-19: https://www.unrwa.org/covid_19
- United Nations Volunteers (UNV)
- Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic response: https://www.unv.org/UNV-Novel-Coronavirus-COVID-19-pandemic-response
- Information for serving UN Volunteers and candidates: https://www.unv.org/COVID-19
- UNV call for health professionals interested to help combat COVID-19 as UN Volunteers – Apply for COVID-19-related assignments: https://www.unv.org/special-calls
- Universal Postal Union (UPU)
- When a global pandemic has your address, but your government doesn’t know where you are (30 March 2020): http://news.upu.int/no_cache/nd/when-a-global-pandemic-has-your-address-but-your-government-doesnt-know-where-you-are/
- Joint statement: UPU and UNI Global Union on postal operations during the COVID-19 pandemic (27 March 2020): http://news.upu.int/no_cache/nd/joint-statement-upu-and-uni-global-union-on-postal-operations-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/
- Address information and mapping vital in COVID-19 fight (25 March 2020): http://news.upu.int/no_cache/nd/address-information-and-mapping-vital-in-covid-19-fight/
- The Post & COVID-19: Your safety first! (23 March 2020): http://news.upu.int/no_cache/nd/the-post-covid-19-your-safety-first/
- Keeping the mail flowing: How the world’s postal operators are confronting COVID-19 (20 March 2020): http://news.upu.int/no_cache/nd/keeping-the-mail-flowing-how-the-worlds-postal-operators-are-confronting-covid-19/
- World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)
- Tourism and Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19): https://www.unwto.org/tourism-covid-19-coronavirus
- International Tourism Arrivals Could Fall by 20-30% in 2020 (26 March 2020): https://www.unwto.org/news/international-tourism-arrivals-could-fall-in-2020
- UN Tourism News – Coronavirus Special Edition – 23 March 2020: https://www.unwto.org/sites/default/files/news/un-tourism-news-10.html
- World Food Programme (WFP)
- The chain that COVID-19 cannot break: How the World Food Programme will continue its work saving and changing millions of lives despite the virus (31 March 2020): https://insight.wfp.org/how-the-largest-humanitarian-logistics-agency-in-the-world-is-responding-to-covid19-84bdbde6f0e5?gi=6769ccafac55
- COVID-19: ‘Children in the front line’ (27 March 2020): https://insight.wfp.org/covid-19-children-in-the-front-line-729ab4a9c511
- New digital map shows terrible impact of COVID-19 on school meals around the world (27 March 2020): https://www.wfp.org/news/new-digital-map-shows-terrible-impact-covid-19-school-meals-around-world
- Food for thought: 7 tips on keeping a healthy diet in the face of Coronavirus (23 March 2020): https://insight.wfp.org/food-for-thought-7-tips-on-keeping-a-healthy-diet-in-the-face-of-coronavirus-7fab7f06177
- World Food Programme gears up to support children left without meals due to COVID-19 school closures (23 March 2020): https://www.wfp.org/news/world-food-programme-gears-support-children-left-without-meals-due-covid-19-school-closures
- Coronavirus: WFP ready to rise to the challenge: UN agency puts expertise and infrastructure at the service of pandemic response (18 March 2020): https://insight.wfp.org/coronavirus-wfp-ready-to-rise-to-the-challenge-8178a4d0aeac
- How to minimize the impact of Coronavirus on food security (Analysis, 16 March 2020): https://insight.wfp.org/how-to-minimize-the-impact-of-coronavirus-on-food-security-be2fa7885d7e
- WFP provides lifesaving medical equipment supporting China’s response to COVID-19 (15 March 2020): https://www.wfp.org/news/wfp-provides-lifesaving-medical-equipment-supporting-chinas-response-covid-19
- World Trade Organization (WTO)
- COVID-19 and world trade: https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/covid19_e/covid19_e.htm
- World Bank
- The World Bank Group and COVID-19 (coronavirus): https://www.worldbank.org/en/who-we-are/news/coronavirus-covid19
- East Asia and Pacific: Countries Must Act Now to Mitigate Economic Shock of COVID-19 (30 March 2020): https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2020/03/30/east-asia-and-pacific-countries-must-act-now-to-mitigate-economic-shock-of-covid-19
- World Bank Group Increases COVID-19 Response to $14 Billion To Help Sustain Economies, Protect Jobs (17 March 2020): https://un4.me/394eKoW
- World Bank Group Announces Up to $12 Billion Immediate Support for COVID-19 Country Response (3 March 2020) : https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2020/03/03/world-bank-group-announces-up-to-12-billion-immediate-support-for-covid-19-country-response
Further Information
- Ask DAG: How is the United Nations responding to the Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak in China? http://ask.un.org/faq/281723
- Coronavirus global health emergency: Coverage from UN News
https://news.un.org/en/events/un-news-coverage-coronavirus-outbreak
This page brings together information and guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations regarding the current outbreak of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) that was first reported in Wuhan, China, on 31 December 2019. Please visit this page for daily updates. WHO is working closely with global experts, governments and partners to rapidly expand scientific knowledge on this new virus, to track the spread and virulence of the virus, and to provide advice to countries and individuals on measures to protect health and prevent the spread of this outbreak. - United Nations Audiovisual Library of International Law
“International Law and Infectious Disease Control”, lecture by Professor Gian Luca Burci, Former Legal Counsel of the WHO: https://legal.un.org/avl/ls/Burci_HS.html
31 March 2020
not an official document – for information only
https://staging.unric.org/en/unric-library-backgrounder-novel-coronavirus/