Latin America, the Caribbean now ‘hotspot of the pandemic’: UN Chief | The Business Standard
Skip to main content
  • Latest
  • Epaper
  • 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
  • More
    • Sports
    • TBS Graduates
    • Bangladesh
    • Supplement
    • Infograph
    • Archive
    • Gallery
    • Long Read
    • Interviews
    • Offbeat
    • Magazine
    • Climate Change
    • Health
    • Cartoons
  • বাংলা
The Business Standard

Sunday
June 29, 2025

Sign In
Subscribe
  • Latest
  • Epaper
  • 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
  • More
    • Sports
    • TBS Graduates
    • Bangladesh
    • Supplement
    • Infograph
    • Archive
    • Gallery
    • Long Read
    • Interviews
    • Offbeat
    • Magazine
    • Climate Change
    • Health
    • Cartoons
  • বাংলা
SUNDAY, JUNE 29, 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

  • A file photo of the NBR Bhaban in Agargaon, Dhaka
    Why a well-intended NBR reform turned into a stand-off
  • Infographic: TBS
    How ONE Bank hides Tk995cr loss through provision deferral
  • BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed at an event on 28 June. Photo: Focus Bangla
    BNP's Salahuddin alleges push for PR system, local polls aimed at delaying national election

MOST VIEWED

  • A crane loads wheat grain into the cargo vessel Mezhdurechensk before its departure for the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don in the course of Russia-Ukraine conflict in the port of Mariupol, Russian-controlled Ukraine, October 25, 2023. REUTERS/Alexander Ermochenko/File Photo
    Ukraine calls for EU sanctions on Bangladeshi entities for import of 'stolen grain'
  • Illustration: TBS
    US Embassy Dhaka asks Bangladeshi student visa applicants to make social media profiles public
  • Infograph: TBS
    How banks made record profits in a depressed year
  • Officials from Bangladesh and Japan governments during an agreement signing ceremony on 27 June 2025. Photo: Courtesy
    Bangladesh signs $630m loan deal with Japan for Joydebpur-Ishwardi rail project
  • BNP leader Ishraque Hossain addressing employees of the Dhaka South City Corporation and participants of the ongoing protest at Nagar Bhaban on 18 June 2025. Photo: Jahidul Islam/TBS
    Why Ishraque stepped back from his mayoral oath fight
  • Biman Bangladesh bans WhatsApp for official use
    Biman Bangladesh bans WhatsApp for official use

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

How a young man's commitment to nature in Tetulia won him a national award

How a young man's commitment to nature in Tetulia won him a national award

7h | Panorama
From blossoms to bounty: The mango season that revives Rajshahi

From blossoms to bounty: The mango season that revives Rajshahi

7h | Panorama
Graphics: TBS

Drop of poison, sea of consequences: How poison fishing is wiping out Sundarbans’ ecosystems and livelihoods

1d | Panorama
Photo: Collected

The three best bespoke tailors in town

1d | Mode

More Videos from TBS

Venice looks like a moonlit market at Bezos-Sanchez wedding

Venice looks like a moonlit market at Bezos-Sanchez wedding

5h | TBS World
Why is Iran questioning the role of the International Atomic Energy Agency?

Why is Iran questioning the role of the International Atomic Energy Agency?

6h | Others
One party has already left, and the other is waiting to trap us: Nasiruddin

One party has already left, and the other is waiting to trap us: Nasiruddin

6h | TBS Today
Seema sought guidance despite being cursed by Umama

Seema sought guidance despite being cursed by Umama

7h | Podcast
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