Latin America, the Caribbean now ‘hotspot of the pandemic’: UN Chief | The Business Standard
Skip to main content
  • Latest
  • Economy
    • Banking
    • Stocks
    • Industry
    • Analysis
    • Bazaar
    • RMG
    • Corporates
    • Aviation
  • Videos
    • TBS Today
    • TBS Stories
    • TBS World
    • News of the day
    • TBS Programs
    • Podcast
    • Editor's Pick
  • World+Biz
  • Features
    • Panorama
    • The Big Picture
    • Pursuit
    • Habitat
    • Thoughts
    • Splash
    • Mode
    • Tech
    • Explorer
    • Brands
    • In Focus
    • Book Review
    • Earth
    • Food
    • Luxury
    • Wheels
  • Subscribe
    • Epaper
    • GOVT. Ad
  • More
    • Sports
    • TBS Graduates
    • Bangladesh
    • Supplement
    • Infograph
    • Archive
    • Gallery
    • Long Read
    • Interviews
    • Offbeat
    • Magazine
    • Climate Change
    • Health
    • Cartoons
  • বাংলা
The Business Standard

Monday
July 14, 2025

Sign In
Subscribe
  • Latest
  • Economy
    • Banking
    • Stocks
    • Industry
    • Analysis
    • Bazaar
    • RMG
    • Corporates
    • Aviation
  • Videos
    • TBS Today
    • TBS Stories
    • TBS World
    • News of the day
    • TBS Programs
    • Podcast
    • Editor's Pick
  • World+Biz
  • Features
    • Panorama
    • The Big Picture
    • Pursuit
    • Habitat
    • Thoughts
    • Splash
    • Mode
    • Tech
    • Explorer
    • Brands
    • In Focus
    • Book Review
    • Earth
    • Food
    • Luxury
    • Wheels
  • Subscribe
    • Epaper
    • GOVT. Ad
  • More
    • Sports
    • TBS Graduates
    • Bangladesh
    • Supplement
    • Infograph
    • Archive
    • Gallery
    • Long Read
    • Interviews
    • Offbeat
    • Magazine
    • Climate Change
    • Health
    • Cartoons
  • বাংলা
MONDAY, JULY 14, 2025
Latin America, the Caribbean now ‘hotspot of the pandemic’: UN Chief

Coronavirus chronicle

UNB
10 July, 2020, 09:45 am
Last modified: 10 July, 2020, 09:49 am

Related News

  • Yunus pledges joint efforts with UN for Rohingya repatriation by next year
  • Funding cuts have dramatic human costs, Guterres says at Rohingya camp, warning unmitigated disaster
  • Global inaction will worsen Rohingya crisis, INGOs warn during UN chief's visit
  • Global focus on Rohingya crisis to return through UN chief's visit: Govt
  • Magnitude 7.6 quake shakes Caribbean, tsunami advisory issued

Latin America, the Caribbean now ‘hotspot of the pandemic’: UN Chief

Several countries now have some of the highest averages of infection rates and shines a light on how the crisis is impacting vulnerable groups, including indigenous people and women

UNB
10 July, 2020, 09:45 am
Last modified: 10 July, 2020, 09:49 am
UN chief Antonio Guterres. File Photo: Collected
UN chief Antonio Guterres. File Photo: Collected

UN chief Secretary-General António Guterres on Thursday said as COVID-19 continues to spread throughout the world, Latin America and the Caribbean have become the "hotspot of the pandemic."

The UN Chief made these remarks while releasing a new policy initiative on how best to recover in a region already embroiled in poverty, hunger, unemployment and inequality, reports UN News.

Several countries now have some of the highest averages of infection rates and shines a light on how the crisis is impacting vulnerable groups, including indigenous people and women, he said.

The Business Standard Google News Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel

"The most vulnerable populations and individuals are once again being hit the hardest," Guterres said in a video message on the pandemic's effect throughout a zone grappling with fragmented health services – even before the coronavirus.

'Unprecedented' impacts

The UN chief spotlighted women, who make up the majority of the workforce and now bear the brunt of additional caregiving.

Older persons and individuals with disabilities are at greater risk from the virus while indigenous peoples, those of African descent, migrants and refugees have been suffering disproportionately, he said.

While stressing the need to "do everything possible to limit the spread of the virus and tackle the health effects of the pandemic", Guterres reminded: "We must also address the unprecedented social and economic impacts".

Guterres highlights the international support

The policy brief underlines an array of urgent and longer-term steps for better recovery, including the prioritization of distance learning and continued child-centered services to mitigate education interruptions.

Governments are also being asked to do more to reduce poverty, food insecurity and malnutrition, such as by providing basic emergency income and anti-hunger grants.

Guterres also flagged the urgent need for greater international support.

"I have called for a rescue and recovery package equivalent to more than 10 percent of the global economy", reminded the UN chief, underscoring the need of the international community to provide liquidity, financial assistance and debt relief for Latin America and the Caribbean.

"Latin American and Caribbean countries – and in particular small island developing States – should not be excluded from global assistance", he asserted. "The international multilateral response needs to be extended to middle-income countries".

Build back better

Broader structural challenges must be addressed to build back better and transform the region's development model.

Against the backdrop of pervasive inequality, accessible and comprehensive welfare systems must be developed, fair taxation systems created, decent jobs promoted, environmental sustainability strengthened, and social protection mechanisms reinforced, according to the UN chief.

Moreover, regional economic integration is required, with "women participating fully and safely in public and economic life", he stressed.

"Building back better demands strengthening democratic governance, human rights protection and the rule of law, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development," Guterres said.

Address root causes

The UN Chief maintained that the root causes of inequality, political instability and displacement must be addressed, while underscoring that at a time when too many citizens feel excluded, "greater accountability and transparency are crucial".

"Together, we can overcome this crisis and build inclusive and sustainable societies for all," concluded the UN chief.

He also expressed his full solidarity with the people of Latin America and the Caribbean as they face these challenges, saying that "solidarity and compassion should be their guide".

Top News

UN Chief Guterres   / Latin America / Caribbean

Comments

While most comments will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive, moderation decisions are subjective. Published comments are readers’ own views and The Business Standard does not endorse any of the readers’ comments.

Top Stories

  • File photo of Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin. Photo: BSS
    Bangladesh hopes for 'rational' US tariffs, confident of sustaining trade ties: Commerce adviser
  • BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir spoke at a protest rally at the BNP’s central office in Nayapaltan today (14 July). Photo: TBS
    Elections must be held by February: Mirza Fakhrul
  • News of The Day, 14 JULY 2025
    News of The Day, 14 JULY 2025

MOST VIEWED

  • From Gulf to Southeast Asia, why Bangladeshis are facing visa denials
    From Gulf to Southeast Asia, why Bangladeshis are facing visa denials
  • Infographic: TBS
    Dollar price plummets by Tk2.9 in a week as demand wanes
  • Energy Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan speaking about tariff negotiations with United States on 13 July 2025. Photo: TBS
    US wants a framework agreement with Bangladesh that includes their security concerns: Fouzul
  • CNG drivers blockaded a road in Banani demanding route allocation on 13 July 2025. Photo: TBS
    CNG drivers block road in Banani for hours, causing Mohakhali-Uttara gridlock 
  • BSEC directs 44 firms to transfer Tk1,000cr in unclaimed dividends to CMSF
    BSEC directs 44 firms to transfer Tk1,000cr in unclaimed dividends to CMSF
  • TBS Sketch
    Framework agreement: What experts say about US 'security concerns' regarding Bangladesh

Related News

  • Yunus pledges joint efforts with UN for Rohingya repatriation by next year
  • Funding cuts have dramatic human costs, Guterres says at Rohingya camp, warning unmitigated disaster
  • Global inaction will worsen Rohingya crisis, INGOs warn during UN chief's visit
  • Global focus on Rohingya crisis to return through UN chief's visit: Govt
  • Magnitude 7.6 quake shakes Caribbean, tsunami advisory issued

Features

DU students at TSC around 12:45am on 15 July 2024, protesting Sheikh Hasina’s insulting remark. Photo: TBS

‘Razakar’: The butterfly effect of a word

5h | Panorama
Photo: Collected

Grooming gadgets: Where sleek tools meet effortless styles

1d | Brands
The 2020 Harrier's Porsche Cayenne coupe-like rear roofline, integrated LED lighting with the Modellista special bodykit all around, and a swanky front grille scream OEM Plus for the sophisticated enthusiast looking for a bigger family car that isn’t boring. PHOTO: Ahbaar Mohammad

2020 Toyota Harrier Hybrid: The Japanese Macan

2d | Wheels
The showroom was launched through a lavish event held there, and in attendance were DHS Motors’ Managing Director Nafees Khundker, CEO Imran Zaman Khan, and GMs Arman Rashid and Farhan Samad. PHOTO: Akif Hamid

GAC inaugurate flagship showroom in Dhaka

2d | Wheels

More Videos from TBS

Why is SMP necessary to make the telecom sector more customer-friendly?

Why is SMP necessary to make the telecom sector more customer-friendly?

5h | TBS Stories
How will the BNP manage the capital market if it comes to power?

How will the BNP manage the capital market if it comes to power?

1h | TBS Today
From fuels to fruits, imports slump on depressed demand

From fuels to fruits, imports slump on depressed demand

2h | TBS Insight
Is France increasing defense budget fear of Russia?

Is France increasing defense budget fear of Russia?

3h | TBS World
EMAIL US
contact@tbsnews.net
FOLLOW US
WHATSAPP
+880 1847416158
The Business Standard
  • About Us
  • Contact us
  • Sitemap
  • Advertisement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Comment Policy
Copyright © 2025
The Business Standard All rights reserved
Technical Partner: RSI Lab

Contact Us

The Business Standard

Main Office -4/A, Eskaton Garden, Dhaka- 1000

Phone: +8801847 416158 - 59

Send Opinion articles to - oped.tbs@gmail.com

For advertisement- sales@tbsnews.net