NEWS

Europe’s economy is growing, but there is still need for continued support as vaccine rollout programs gain speed, the IMF says in the newly released European Regional Economic Outlook released today in Washington, DC. IMF

UN Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict Pramilla Patten said building back better from the COVID-19 pandemic requires an “inclusive, intersectional, and gender-informed approach” and demands a paradigm shift: “to silence the guns and amplify the voices of women; to invest in public welfare rather than the instruments of warfare.” UNIFEED

A UN official said there is “a great deal of uncertainty and also a humanitarian crisis that is growing” as explosions and ash fall are expected to continue over the coming weeks, following the volcano eruption in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. UNIFEED

The first batch of COVID-19 vaccines for the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic (CAR) arrived on April 13. MINUSCA

Syrian artist Akram Safvan’s story is one of art, perseverance and dedication. He shared his story of building a life in Turkey after the Syrian conflict forced him to leave behind his home and his art. UNHCR

All around the world, women and girls are not in control over their bodies and their lives, states the 2021 flagship report “State of World Population” launched today by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). UNTV CH

Asia is growing strongly in 2021, but there is still much uncertainty and risk to the economic outlook, the IMF says in the newly released Asia Pacific Regional Economic Outlook released today in Washington, DC. IMF

The spokesperson for the Secretary-General, Stéphane Dujarric, announced a “high-level and inclusive conference” between representatives of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Taliban to take place in Istanbul from 24 April to the 4 May. UNIFEED

“Kosovo remains under relentless pressure from the spread of the COVID-19 virus,” causing over 2,000 deaths in total, “one of the highest per capita” in the world, said the top UN official in Kosovo Zahir Tanin. UNIFEED

The situation of families and individuals who have abandoned their belongings and livelihoods in northern Mozambique after the heinous attacks end of March in the town of Palma in Cabo Delgado province remains desperate. UNTV CH