Updated: Trump says halting World Health Organization funding over its handling of virus
Last updated: 11.30amWashington DC, USReuters President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he would halt funding to the World Health Organization over its handling of the coronavirus pandemic while his administration reviews its response to the global crisis. Trump, at a White House news conference, said the WHO had “failed in its basic duty and it […]
Spain, Austria ease coronavirus curbs, US debates risks
Madrid, Spain/London, UKReuters Spain and Austria allowed partial returns to work on Tuesday but Britain, France and India extended lockdowns to rein in the new coronavirus while the United States, where the death toll exceeded 25,000, debated how to reopen its economy. The World Health Organization warned that infections had “certainly” not yet peaked. An […]
Latin America shelters struggle to help women in coronavirus lockdowns
Bogota, Colombia/Mexico City, MexicoThomson Reuters Foundation The unassuming domestic violence shelter in the Mexican border city of Tapachula has been filled to capacity since January, and manager Elsa Simon already had to refuse three women seeking to escape abusive partners. With coronavirus lockdown measures intensifying, Simon worries she will be forced to turn away many […]
Paris accord under threat if coronavirus trumps climate change, says Japanese minister
Tokyo, JapanReuters Japanese Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi warned on Monday that the Paris climate accord could face death if steps to fight global warming were put on the backburner to facilitate the economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. Many economists and policymakers are forecasting a steep global recession this year as countries are forced into […]
Iran frees jailed Christians over coronavirus fears
Tehran, IranBosNewsLife Several Christian converts spent Easter in freedom after Iranian authorities released them amid concerns that the new coronavirus COVID-19 could spread in overcrowded jails, Christian sources have confirmed. Most of these released were prosecuted after refusing to return to Islam and continuing Christian activities, according to Christians familiar with the cases. One of […]
UN agencies: 117 million children may miss measles shots due to COVID-19
London, UKReuters More than 117 million children could miss out on immunisation against measles as the COVID-19 pandemic forces social distancing and piles pressure on health services, United Nations health agencies warned on Tuesday. Measles immunisation campaigns in 24 countries have already been delayed, and more will be postponed, potentially putting children in 37 countries […]
Land rights: Indigenous Namibians fight for ancestral land in national park
KIM HARRISBERG, of Thomson Reuters Foundation, reports from southern Africa…
No work, new debt: virus creates perfect storm for slavery in India
Chennai/Mumbai, IndiaThomson Reuters Foundation When the coronavirus outbreak brought India to a halt last month, Bhagwan Das lost his only income as a construction worker in Delhi and embarked on a three-day trek back to his village. Then the loan shark came knocking. Unable to maintain repayments on the 60,000 rupee ($US787) loan he took […]
Essay: We need to respect the choice not to die of COVID-19 alone
US Catholic commentator CHARLES C CAMOSY, in an article first published on Religion News Service, argues that those dying of COVID-19 should be able to see loved ones as they pass away and have access to clergy…
Conversations: Heather and Trevor Smith, 50 years with The Leprosy Mission in Thailand
Australians Heather and Trevor Smith have just clocked up 50 years with serving with The Leprosy Mission in Thailand. DAVID ADAMS chats with them about some highs and some challenges during their five decade long journey…