Press Releases

New York, 20 June 2021 War, violence and persecution have forced more than 80 million people around the world to flee their homes, leaving everything behind to save themselves and their families. Refugees must begin their…

New York, 19 June 2021 Sexual violence in conflict is a cruel tactic of war, torture, terror and repression. It reverberates down generations, and threatens both human and international security. In places affected by…

New York, 17 June 2021 Humanity is waging a relentless, self-destructive war on nature. Biodiversity is declining, greenhouse gas concentrations are rising, and our pollution can be found from the remotest islands to the…

New York, 16 June 2021 As the COVID-19 pandemic emerged last year, so, too, did concerns about the potential negative impact of the crisis on remittances and on families that rely on them. Fortunately, remittances have proved…

New York, 13 June 2021 On International Albinism Awareness Day, I reiterate my solidarity with persons with albinism. This year’s theme is Strength Beyond All Odds. It reflects the resilience, perseverance and achievements of…

New York, 13 June 2021 Every year on 21 September, the United Nations invites people around the world to celebrate peace by observing 24 hours of ceasefire and non-violence. As we strive to heal from the COVID-19 pandemic and…

New York, 8 June 2021 This year’s observance of World Oceans Day falls as the world wrestles with the COVID-19 pandemic, a climate crisis and humankind’s continuing assault on oceans, seas and marine resources. The recently…

New York, 3 June 2021 Bikes are freedom; bikes are fun. They are good for one’s health -- physical and mental -- and good for our one and only planet. Bikes are popular and practical, providing exercise and transporting us…

New York, 29 May 2021 The world is experiencing a growing pandemic of obesity. It affects people of all ages in all regions. Particularly concerning are the young people affected. In the past four decades, the percentage of 5…