Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on humanitarian assistance during COVID-19 pandemic

Libyan Cloud News Agency – New York

The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed deep concern over the spread of the coronavirus at an alarming rate, including into countries where millions of people cannot easily access clean water, food, healthcare and shelter.   

In a statement attributed to his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, the Secretary-General stressed the need for a concerted, coordinated global response that encompasses communities such as refugees, migrants, stateless people, those who are internally displaced and others who may be on the margins.

Guterres urged national authorities to work closely with UN Resident Coordinators and Humanitarian Coordinators to enable the provision of humanitarian assistance by the United Nations and by national and international non-governmental organizations. 

He also stressed the need to aid those least able to protect themselves. This is a matter of basic human solidarity and the only way we will overcome the pandemic.