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The researches, examines and provides visibility to the violence and discrimination experienced every day by gays, lesbian, bisexual, trans and other gender diverse persons around the wor

Older persons are among the more visible victims of the current health crisis. Although all age groups are at risk of COVID-19, older persons face higher risk of mortality and severe disease following infection, with an estimated 66% of people over 70 having underlying conditions. “No person, young or old, is expendable”, spelled out UN Secretary-General António Guterres in a video message launching a policy brief on older persons. The impact on health and long-term care services for older persons must confront the challenges they face, including access to medical treatment and care.

United Nations efforts to prevent trafficking in persons take an important step forward with the launch of the online training on the . Developed by and the , the free e-learning course explores the unique opportunities cabin crew have to observe passengers over the duration of their flights and potentially identify and assist human trafficking victims.

In recognition of the former South African President’s contribution to the culture of peace and freedom, the United Nations declared 18 July as Nelson Mandela International Day, to honour his dedication to the service of humanity and the promotion of social justice. On  18 July,  delivers the , "Tackling the Inequality Pandemic: A New Social Contract for a New Era". The Secretary-General takes aim at the various layers of inequality that are being exposed and exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Watch at 9:00 am EDT.

As Pride events are celebrated virtually around the world, the United Nations continues to support lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI) people, who are among the most vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic. Health care discrimination, based on sexual orientation and gender identity, has been extensively documented. This discrimination can elevate the risk for LGBTI people from COVID-19. A guidance published by the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR), identifies many during the crisis and sets out key actions in the context of the pandemic.

Concerned by the growing number of reports of violence against journalists during demonstrations, Director-General Audrey Azoulay reiterates the principle whereby “freedom of expression is a vitally important component of democracy, and journalists’ reporting on events is essential to press freedom and to the right to information.” Recent waves of protest around the world highlighted the problem posed by cases of excessive use of force by law enforcement agents on reporters.

Although all age groups are at risk of contracting COVID-19, older persons are at a significantly higher risk of mortality, with those over 80 years old dying at five times the average rate. An estimated 66% of people aged 70 and over have at least one underlying condition, placing them at increased risk of severe impact from COVID-19. The UN General Assembly recognized 15 June as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day to bring attention to the harm or distress suffered by older persons.

"" is the theme for this year's International Albinism Awareness Day. The theme was chosen to celebrate the achievements and successes of persons with albinism worldwide. It is also a call to stand in solidarity with people with albinism through their challenges. Recently, in some countries, they have been branded  “Corona” or “COVID-19” in an attempt to scapegoat them for the pandemic. On this day we stand together with people with albinism all over the world in their fight to live a life that is free of stigma, discrimination, fear and violence. 

On World Press Freedom Day, calls on governments, media and civil society to join the global online movement to highlight the importance of a free and independent press at all times, but in particular during this health crisis. It is important to help the media and journalists report on the crisis effectively and safely, and to promote critical thinking to limit the spread of rumours and misinformation. Together, we will ensure that our response to the crisis is effective. This unprecedented health crisis has the potential to . 

The United Nations calls on countries to adopt a more cooperative, global and human rights-based approach to the pandemic, which Secretary-General António Guterres has called “a human crisis”. UN human rights officials stress the importance of protecting the rights of people. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet urgent and detailed action to prevent COVID-19 from creating “even wider inequalities” amid extensive suffering. OHCHR will works to integrate human rights into the UN’s economic and social programs.

Due to COVID-19, the traditional commemorative meeting of the General Assembly to mark the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda was postponed. However, on April 7th, the public is invited to reflect on one of the darkest chapters in human history when more than one million people – overwhelmingly Tutsi, but also moderate Hutu, Twa and others who opposed the genocide – were systematically killed in less than three months. We honour those who were murdered and reflect on the suffering of those who survived. Join the virtual observance and share the UN social media cards along with your own messages of solidarity.

To further build a culture of peace with love and conscience, the General Assembly declared 5 April the International Day of Conscience. The United Nations invites all to promote the culture of peace with love and conscience within your communities, which will contribute to foster sustainable development. Let us commemorate this day by connecting to others through acts of kindness amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

Each year, approximately 3,000 to 5,000 children are born with Down syndrome. In December 2011, the as World Down Syndrome Day. This year's theme, "We Decide," emphasizes that all people with Down syndrome should have full participation in decision making about matters relating to, or affecting, their lives. Effective and meaningful participation is a core human rights principle supported by the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

“Mom why are you hurting me?”

Iraqi Jamila Mahdi is a former refugee. Although she was married at 13 and denied the right to education, she still had a strong determination to succeed. Jamila earned her high school diploma as an adult, followed by two university degrees. She now works as a Human Rights Officer in Iraq, for . "Why did I choose to do this? I have a strong belief in the need to contribute to the protection of human dignity and social justice and the elimination of all types of discrimination," says Jamila in this .