United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres this week unveiled a UN plan to foster compassion and protect religious sites as violent attacks on them increase around the world. "When people are attacked because of their religion or beliefs, all of society is diminished," the UN chief said.

Members of the United Nations Security Council this week voted unanimously to extend the mandate of the UN Support Mission in Libya into September 2020, reiterating a call for all parties in the country to avoid exacerbating the current conflict. The council also asked UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to investigate the steps required to achieve a cease-fire in the country.

Vaccination levels around the world have stalled at around 86% in recent years, prompting new outbreaks of previously-controlled diseases such as measles, World Health Organization executive director for universal health coverage Peter Salama said as he addressed the first Global Vaccination Summit. The WHO declared immunization reluctance one of the top threats to global health earlier this year.

Forces from the United Arab Emirates have routinely sexually abused women and girls held in secret prisons during the ongoing conflict in Yemen, says Kamel Jendoubi, chairman of the United Nations Group of Eminent Experts on Yemen. "We have 600 testimonies and huge documents and reports of international institutions to indicate violations in Yemen," he adds.

The destruction and loss of life in the Bahamas caused by Hurricane Dorian illustrate the need to address climate change, which increases the risk of deadly storms and other disasters, says United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The UN chief is flying to the Bahamas today to express his solidarity and support with storm victims and encourage the global community to contribute much-needed aid.

The United Nations Security Council has approved a resolution to lift some restrictions on weapons in the Central African Republic, citing the national government's signing of a peace deal with 14 armed groups in February. "I would like to underscore that the return of lasting peace in the Central African Republic also requires combatting cross-border trafficking of weapons and ammunition that continues to equip armed groups," said Nicolas de Riviere, the UN ambassador from France, the country that drafted the resolution.

New technology could expand scope of South-South Cooperation, UN envoy says

"What is Next for Peace Talks With the Taliban?"

"Land restoration is one of the best solutions we have to combat climate change and to restore biodiversity." - @ibrahimthiaw reflects on #UNCCDCOP14 following the high-level segment. Visit bit.ly/2LdW6m0 for latest updates. #ClimateAction
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