Public Health

The wide readership of this book by individuals, government officials, scientists and medical specialists is due to concern about the possible hazards of natural and man-made sources of radiation. This publication presents the consequences of exposures to radiation by the use of radiobiological research and results of epidemiological studies. It also summarizes and evaluates sources of human radiation exposures, discusses principal features of radiation risk perception and gives a brief summary and indication of perspectives.

The United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) assesses the levels and effects of exposure to ionizing radiation. UNSCEAR’s scientific findings underpin radiation risk evaluation and international protection standards. This report comprises a report to the General Assembly with scientific annexes. The report is a landmark publication in terms of our understanding of the confidence that can be attached to the attribution of health effects in individuals and populations, and to the estimation of risks inferred from exposure to ionizing radiation.

The United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) assesses the levels and effects of exposure to ionizing radiation. UNSCEAR’s scientific findings underpin radiation risk evaluation and international protection standards. This report comprises a report to the General Assembly with scientific annexes. The report is a landmark publication in terms of our understanding of the confidence that can be attached to the attribution of health effects in individuals and populations, and to the estimation of risks inferred from exposure to ionizing radiation.

The United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) assesses the levels and effects of exposure to ionizing radiation. UNSCEAR’s scientific findings underpin radiation risk evaluation and international protection standards. This report comprises a report to the General Assembly with scientific annexes. The report is a landmark publication in terms of our understanding of the confidence that can be attached to the attribution of health effects in individuals and populations, and to the estimation of risks inferred from exposure to ionizing radiation.

Costing the Three Transformative Results focuses on new research to estimate the costs associated the global effort led by UNFPA to: (a) end preventable maternal deaths, (b) end the unmet need for family planning, and (c) end gender-based violence and all harmful practices, including child marriage and female genital mutilation. This new analysis goes beyond calculating costs; it also identifies the specific interventions needed to achieve these three transformative results by 2030 – the deadline for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals – including developing country investment cases and costing of the work of UNFPA country programmes. This publication contains the methodologies and resulting cost estimates towards the achievement of each result.

This year’s report examines countries’ achievements and constraints in implementing the Cairo consensus, including efforts to improve the quality and reach of reproductive health programmes, promote women’s rights, improve maternal and child health and strengthen HIV prevention efforts. UNFPA’s report makes the case that mobilizing political will and increased funding by the international community is crucial if countries are to maintain and build on the gains of the past decade.

El preámbulo de la Convención Única de 1961 destaca la preocupación de los Estados por la salud y el bienestar de la humanidad. Esta afirmación fundamental es seguida por el reconocimiento del uso médico de los estupefacientes y su papel indispensable en el alivio del dolor para el cual los países necesitan asegurar la disponibilidad y proporcionar la provisión adecuada. Estos principios se reafirmaron en el Convenio sobre Sustancias Psicotrópicas de 1971 en el que se agregó que, si bien era necesario restringir el uso de sustancias controladas a fines legítimos, su disponibilidad no debería haberse restringido indebidamente. Después de casi sesenta años desde la proclamación oficial, el objetivo de asegurar la disponibilidad aún es difícil de alcanzar en muchos países donde las personas aún sufren o mueren de dolor o no tienen acceso a los medicamentos que necesitan. El desequilibrio en la disponibilidad de analgésicos opioides es particularmente preocupante, ya que los datos muestran que muchas de las afecciones que requieren manejo del dolor, en particular el cáncer, son prevalentes y aumentan en los países de ingresos bajos y medios.

The Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction (GAR) is the flagship report of the United Nations on worldwide efforts to reduce disaster risk. The GAR is published biennially by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), and is the product of the contributions of nations, public and private risk-related science and research, amongst others. The GAR contributes to achieving the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through monitoring risk patterns and trends, as well as progress in disaster risk reduction, while providing strategic policy guidance to countries and the international community. The GAR aims to focus international attention on the issue of risk and encourage political and economic support for risk reduction.

Since the establishment of the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation by General Assembly resolution 913 (X) of 3 December 1955, the mandate of the Committee has been to undertake broad assessments of the sources of ionizing radiation and its effects on human health and the environment. In pursuit of this mandate, this report presents the deliberations of the Committee at its sixty-first session.

Europe and Central Asia encompasses great economic, social and environmental diversity, its countries are facing various food security and nutrition challenges. While they have made significant progress in reducing the prevalence of undernourishment over the past two decades, new evidence shows a stagnation of this trend, particularly in Central Asia. The in-depth analysis provides new evidence for monitoring trends in food security and nutrition, and progress made against specific targets of the Sustainable Development Goal 2.

The third Environmental Performance Review of Kazakhstan examines progress made by the country in the management of its environment since 2012. It covers legal and policy frameworks, greening the economy, environmental monitoring, and public participation and education for sustainable development. The EPR addresses issues of specific importance to the country related to air protection, biodiversity and protected areas, as well as water, waste and chemicals management, industry, agriculture, energy and health. It also examines the efforts of Kazakhstan to integrate environmental considerations into its policies in the transport, energy and industry sectors. The review further provides a substantive and policy analysis of the country’s climate change adaptation and mitigation measures and its participation in international mechanisms. The publication is aimed at officials and experts working for public authorities responsible for environmental policy, representatives of civil society, the business community, academia and the media. The Environmental Performance Review (EPR) Programme is an important instrument for countries with economies in transition. Third-cycle EPRs focus on environmental governance and financing in a green economy context, countries’ cooperation with the international community and environmental mainstreaming in priority sectors. Through the peer review process, EPRs also promote dialogue among ECE member countries and harmonization of environmental conditions and policies throughout the region.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (2030Agenda) has been shaping and will further shape the dynamics in which the international community approaches its main challenges. In the pan-European region, the Protocol on Water and Health has supported remarkable progress in water, sanitation and health, in the past years, in particular in terms of access to water and sanitation, quality of drinking water and reduction of water-related disease. However, there are still many challenges, including: a still unacceptable burden of water-related disease; problems of equity in access to water and sanitation; vulnerability of water supply and sanitation systems to extreme weather events; and a need for increased safety and efficiency of water supply and sanitation systems. All these issues, which are covered by the Protocol, are part of the ambitions of the 2030 Agenda. The Protocol’s provisions and work are fully aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 “Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all”. Moreover, the Protocol supports the implementation of other SDGs pertinent to water, sanitation and health and addressing the above issues: Goal 1 on ending poverty, Goal 2 on improving nutrition, Goal 3 on ensuring health lives and well-being, Goal 4 on equitable quality education, Goal 11 on safe, resilient and sustainable cities and Goal 13 on combating climate change and its impacts. The Protocol can therefore be a powerful tool to promote and operationalize the achievement of the 2030 Agenda. Its planning and accountability approach - through target setting and reporting - offers a practical framework for Parties to translate the ambitions of 2030 Agenda into specific national targets and actions. This brochure is mostly intended for government authorities and stakeholders in the water, health, education, social affairs, finance and other relevant sectors.

The newest edition of the UNFP flagship report offers a wide range of insights on the impact that teenage pregnancies can have on the health of young girls, their education and their lives. In this publication, a certain number of necessary recommendations are made, more precisely actions that governments, civil society and international organizations can take to address the underlying causes of adolescent pregnancy in various contexts around the world.

The information in this package is intended to support prison administrators and staff. It has been developed to ensure the safety and security of staff, prisoners and the public in the efforts to prevent COVID-19 (coronavirus) from entering the prison and mitigate the impact in case of an outbreak. Addressing COVID-19 requires critical preparedness and a prepared response, particularly within places of detention (prisons). Prison staff play a crucial role in contributing to the effort of preventing the spread of the disease, promoting safer prison environments, and responding to outbreaks in a timely and effective manner. All efforts must be taken to keep COVID-19 out of the prisons. Preventative measures will most likely result in significant disruptions to ordinary prison routines and require the administration to make difficult decisions that may restrict or limit prison operations and activities. Responding to a COVID-19 outbreak once the virus has spread in the prison is a significant challenge – particularly in overcrowded conditions. The package provides communication tools with clear and concise information and visuals.

Por primera vez en 20 años, el Estado Mundial de la Infancia de UNICEF examina la cuestión de los niños, los alimentos y la nutrición, aportando una nueva perspectiva sobre un problema que evoluciona rápidamente. A pesar de los progresos realizados en las dos últimas décadas, una tercera parte de los niños menores de 5 años están malnutridos (con retraso en el crecimiento, emaciación o sobrepeso), mientras que dos terceras partes corren el riesgo de padecer emaciación y hambre oculta a causa de la deficiente calidad de su alimentación. Estos patrones reflejan una profunda triple carga de malnutrición -desnutrición (retraso en el crecimiento y emaciación), hambre oculta y sobrepeso - que amenaza la supervivencia, el crecimiento y el desarrollo de los niños y de los países. En el núcleo de este desafío se encuentra un sistema alimentario deficiente que no proporciona a los niños los alimentos que necesitan para crecer sanos. Este informe ofrece datos y análisis exclusivos sobre la malnutrición en el siglo XXI y ofrece recomendaciones para situar los derechos de la infancia en el centro de los sistemas alimentarios.

The largest generation of adolescents in history —1.2 billion kids—is preparing to enter adulthood in a rapidly changing world. This State of World Population Report examines the challenges and risks this generation faces and their impact on adolescents’ physical, emotional, and mental well-being. The Report focuses on HIV/AIDS, incomplete education, early marriage and child bearing; it stresses the need for youth to have more access to knowledge, increased opportunities, and wider choices so as to lead healthy and productive lives and to contribute fully to their communities. A wealth of statistics, graphs, indicators, and thorough analyses are included in the Report.

HIV and AIDS take a profound toll on families. When a family member becomes sick or dies, everyone in the family suffers. In 2001, the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS recognized the important role played by the family in prevention, care and support. This publication addresses the issues and challenges of HIV/AIDS from a family perspective, using information and data from sub-Saharan Africa.

The 2019 Report seeks to inform policy and decision-makers, inside and outside the water community, how improvements in water resources management and access to water supply and sanitation services are essential to overcoming poverty and addressing various other social and economic inequities. In an increasingly globalized world, the impacts of water-related decisions cross borders and affect everyone. Extreme events, environmental degradation, population growth, rapid urbanization, unsustainable and inequitable consumption patterns, conflicts and social unrest, and unprecedented migratory flows are among the interconnected pressures faced by humanity, often hitting those in vulnerable situations the hardest through their impacts on water. Addressing the inequalities faced by disadvantaged groups requires tailored solutions that take account of the day-to-day realities of people and communities in vulnerable situations. Properly designed and adequately implemented policies, efficient and appropriate use of financial resources, as well as evidence-based knowledge on water resources and water-related issues are also vital to eliminating inequalities in access to safe drinking water and sanitation. Titled ‘Leaving No One Behind ’, the report reinforces the commitments made by the UN member states in adopting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and in recognizing the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation, both of which are essential for eradicating poverty and for building prosperous, peaceful societies.

Le Guide s'adresse en premier lieu aux représentants gouvernementaux des différents secteurs, aux points de contact chargés de la mise en oeuvre des ODD relatifs à l'eau, à l'assainissement et à la santé, ainsi qu'aux points de contact nationaux dans le cadre du Protocole. De même, il constitue une source d'informations à destination d'autres parties prenantes, notamment les décideurs nationaux dont le rôle est de programmer et de développer des politiques en particulier dans les secteurs de l'eau, de l'assainissement et de la santé, la famille des Nations Unies et d'autres agences internationales contribuant à la mise en oeuvre des ODD, les prestataires de services dans les domaines de l'eau et de l'assainissement, les organisations de la société civile et l'ensemble des donateurs.

The preamble of the Single Convention of 1961 highlights the concern of States for the health and welfare of humankind. This fundamental assertion is followed by the recognition of the medical use of narcotic drugs and their indispensable role in the relief of pain for which countries needed to ensure the availability and to make adequate provision. These principles were reaffirmed in the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971 in which it was added that, while it was necessary to restrict the use of controlled substances to legitimate purposes, their availability should not have been unduly restricted. After almost sixty years since that official proclamation, the goal of ensuring availability is still elusive in many countries where people still suffer or die in pain or do not have access to the medications they need. The imbalance in the availability of opioid analgesics is particularly worrying as the data show that many of the conditions requiring pain management, particularly cancer, are prevalent and increasing in low- and middle-income countries.

The information in this package is intended to support prison administrators and staff. It has been developed to ensure the safety and security of staff, prisoners and the public in the efforts to prevent COVID-19 (coronavirus) from entering the prison and mitigate the impact in case of an outbreak. Addressing COVID-19 requires critical preparedness and a prepared response, particularly within places of detention (prisons). Prison staff play a crucial role in contributing to the effort of preventing the spread of the disease, promoting safer prison environments, and responding to outbreaks in a timely and effective manner. All efforts must be taken to keep COVID-19 out of the prisons. Preventative measures will most likely result in significant disruptions to ordinary prison routines and require the administration to make difficult decisions that may restrict or limit prison operations and activities. Responding to a COVID-19 outbreak once the virus has spread in the prison is a significant challenge – particularly in overcrowded conditions. The package provides communication tools with clear and concise information and visuals.

Pour la première fois en 20 ans, le rapport La Situation des enfants dans le monde de l'UNICEF examine le problème des enfants, de la nourriture et de la nutrition, fournissant une perspective actuelle sur un problème en rapide mutation. Malgré les progrès accomplis au cours des deux dernières décennies, un tiers des enfants de moins de 5 ans souffrent de malnutrition, sous la forme d'un retard de croissance, d'une émaciation ou d'un surpoids, tandis que deux tiers sont exposés à un risque de malnutrition ou de faim insoupçonnée en raison de la piètre qualité de leur alimentation. Ces schémas reflètent le triple fardeau de la malnutrition, à savoir la dénutrition, la faim insoupçonnée et le surpoids, qui menace la survie, la croissance et le développement des enfants et des nations. Un système alimentaire dysfonctionnel, qui ne donne pas aux enfants l'alimentation dont ils ont besoin pour grandir en bonne santé, se trouve au coeur de ce problème. Ce rapport fournit des données et des analyses uniques sur la malnutrition au XXIe siècle et met en avant des recommandations pour placer les enfants au centre des systèmes alimentaires.

This data booklet highlights estimates of the prevalence of individual contraceptive methods based on the World Contraceptive Use 2019 (which draws from 1,247 surveys for 195 countries or areas of the world) and additional tabulations obtained from microdata sets and survey reports. The estimates are presented for female and male sterilisation, intrauterine device (IUD), implant, injectable, pill, male condom, withdrawal, rhythm and other methods combined.

The UN Environment Emissions Gap Report assesses the latest scientific studies on current and estimated future greenhouse gas emissions and compares these with the emission levels permissible for the world to progress on a least-cost pathway to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. This difference between “where we are likely to be and where we need to be” is known as the ‘emissions gap’. The report explores some of the most important options available for countries to bridge the gap.

Meet 17 girls from five countries who have become mothers while still children. Their captivating stories provide a unique insight into their dreams, challenges and great strength. Their stories are accompanied by beautiful photos taken by acclaimed photographer Pieter ten Hoopen, whose point of departure is the traditional family photo. HRH Crown Princess Mary of Denmark has written the introduction of the book sharing her keen interest in the lives of women around the world.

The pan-European region has been at the forefront in the development of sustainable mobility solutions focusing on health, environment and prosperity. The Transport, Health and Environment Pan-European Programme (THE PEP) brings the countries of the region together to unite three core sectors of the economy – transport, health and environment – and provide each country with the opportunity to share best practice and develop new policies. Developed by a task force under THE PEP, this publication considers the challenges and outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic for the transport sector and offers recommendations for locking in sustainable transport solutions for the future.

La pandemia de la enfermedad por coronavirus (COVID-19) se enmarca en un escenario migratorio que ya venía mostrando rasgos de involuntariedad y de una creciente movilidad intrarregional estimada en más de 40 millones de personas, caracterizada por el aumento de la migración venezolana, un nuevo patrón migratorio desde Haití hacia América del Sur y diversas vulnerabilidades asociadas al corredor que comprende el tránsito entre Centroamérica, México y los Estados Unidos. En este contexto, las vulnerabilidades presentes a lo largo del ciclo migratorio se exacerban, como los riesgos ante la pérdida del empleo, la caída del empleo doméstico remunerado entre las mujeres, la sobrerrepresentación de las trabajadoras y los trabajadores migrantes en las labores de primera línea, las detenciones indefinidas, la falta de acceso expedito a la documentación necesaria para recibir atención médica, las condiciones habitacionales deficientes y la estigmatización de las personas retornadas en las comunidades de origen, especialmente de las que retornan de los Estados Unidos. La pandemia plantea desafíos específicos en cuanto a la gobernanza de la migración regional frente a la gama de situaciones que no han podido resolverse para las personas migrantes. Además de los ámbitos humanitario, social y económico, y de los factores que afectan sensiblemente a las mujeres, dichas situaciones también se refieren a aspectos sanitarios y de habitabilidad.

Population ageing is recognized as one of the global demographic megatrends with continued and lasting impacts on sustainable development and the way we live and work in our societies. Accounting for around 30 per cent of the world’s population aged 65 years and older, the UNECE region constitutes an urgent need to mainstream ageing, whereby a strategic, comprehensive effort is made to integrate ageing issues into all policy fields and levels. Drawing on the methodology of UNECE Road Maps for Mainstreaming Ageing and experiences gleaned from nearly 20 years of implementing the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA) in the region, this publication considers ageing from both a societal and individual life-course perspective. Taking this 'twin-track approach', it guides policymakers in advancing or improving their mainstreaming efforts and offers a Strategic Framework.

This publication comprises a report to the General Assembly with two underpinning scientific annexes. The first annex provides an evaluation of selected health effects and inference of risk due to radiation exposure describing five scenarios for risk evaluation. The annex presents quantitative risk estimates based on major recent epidemiological studies and on the effects found among survivors of atomic bombings in Japan. The second annex evaluates lung cancer from exposure to radon and provides information to assess recent developments in risk estimates of lung cancer and radon exposure, and to convey an up-to-date picture of radon dosimetry and of dose conversion factors applied for dose assessment.

En 2020, América Latina y el Caribe se enfrentó a la peor crisis de la que se tenga constancia y a la mayor contracción económica del mundo en desarrollo (el PIB y la inversión se redujeron un 7,7% y un 20%, respectivamente). Los datos disponibles también muestran que la caída de la inversión respecto de la del PIB fue mayor en América Latina y el Caribe que en otras regiones en desarrollo. La pandemia de enfermedad por coronavirus (COVID-19) ha profundizado las brechas estructurales e institucionales de América Latina y el Caribe. La crisis ha afectado gravemente las estructuras productivas y el mercado laboral: más de 2,7 millones de empresas han cerrado y el número de personas desempleadas ha aumentado hasta situarse en 44,1 millones. La cantidad considerable de empresas que han cerrado y de empleos que se han perdido, sumada al hecho de que los segmentos más vulnerables de la población se han llevado la peor parte de la crisis, ha llevado a que el número de personas en situación de pobreza pasara de 185,5 a 209 millones (del 30,3% al 33,7% de la población total). Por otra parte, el número de personas en situación de pobreza extrema aumentará hasta alcanzar los 78 millones: 8 millones más que antes. Además, la fuerte contracción de la inversión limitará la acumulación futura de capital, así como la capacidad de las economías de la región para generar crecimiento y empleo. Es probable que el desarrollo económico y social de la región sufra un retroceso de al menos un decenio. Hacia finales de 2020, el PIB per cápita era igual al de 2010.

This publication introduces methodologies that are used to project the socioeconomic utility of applying key UN Vehicle Regulations for improving road safety. It presents an overview of current global road safety statistics, describes methodologies that are used for assessing the impact of vehicle regulations on national road safety performance, and provides examples for their application. It further promotes an evidence-based approach for establishing and applying vehicle safety regulations throughout the world.

This report summarizes the actions taken by Governments and by the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) on precursors to prevent chemical diversion and to implement the provisions of the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances of 1988. The Report contains an account of the activities carried out during the reporting period; provides an overview of the major trends and developments in licit trade and trafficking in and illicit use of individual chemicals; contains a summary of seizures, cases of suspicious and stopped shipments, and diversions or attempted diversions; and details activities associated with illicit drug manufacture.

La crisis sanitaria y económica, sin precedentes en los últimos 100 años, que sobrevino con el surgimiento del nuevo coronavirus y la enfermedad de COVID-19 ha puesto las desigualdades socioeconómicas y de acceso a los servicios de salud y protección social aún más en evidencia, además de plantear desafíos socioeconómicos y exponer a los grupos más vulnerables de la población a riesgos y adversidades más graves de los que ya enfrentaban. Entre los grupos más vulnerables, que sufren consecuencias directas de la pandemia en su calidad de vida y enfrentan desafíos respecto del cumplimiento de sus derechos, están las personas mayores. Las evidencias científicas sobre la evolución de la pandemia y los factores de riesgo vinculados al COVID-19 han mostrado que las personas de todas las edades corren riesgo de contraer la enfermedad por el SARS-CoV-2. Sin embargo, las personas mayores, en particular las de 80 años y más, tienen más probabilidades de presentar síntomas graves, un agravamiento del cuadro clínico y morir. Los estudios también han dejado claro que la preexistencia de enfermedades crónicas y degenerativas constituye otro factor de riesgo asociado a la probabilidad de agravamiento y mortalidad por COVID-19, y es bien sabido que estas comorbilidades son más frecuentes entre las personas mayores. De ahí la importancia de la protección de los derechos de las personas mayores en este contexto de crisis sanitaria, que deben desplegarse en dos ámbitos: por una parte, el derecho a la salud, que debe ser para todos, sin discriminación por edad, y, por la otra, el derecho a la vida y el derecho a vivir con dignidad en la vejez.

The crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on employment and labor conditions for women in Latin America and the Caribbean, generating a setback of more than a decade in terms of the progress achieved in labor market participation. The rate of job market participation by women was at 46% in 2020, while for men it was 69%. It is further estimated that the unemployment rate for women reached 12% in 2020, a percentage that rises to 22.2% if we factor in women’s participation in the labor force in 2019. In 2020 there was a mass exodus of women from the labor force, who have not returned to search for employment, having to attend to care demands at home. 56.9% of women in Latin America and 54.3% in the Caribbean are employed in sectors where the pandemic is expected to have a higher negative impact in terms of employment and income. The women of the region are a crucial part of the frontline response to the pandemic. Some 73.2% of people employed in the health sector are women, who have had to face extreme working conditions such as long work days, in addition to increased risk of contagion as health personnel. All of this in a regional context in which salary discrimination persists, where salaries for women who work in the health sector are 23.7% less than men’s in the same sector. In addition to having a gender perspective that cuts across all recovery policies, affirmative actions are required in the areas of fiscal, labor, productive, economic and social policies to protect the rights of women achieved in the past decade, prevent setbacks and take on gender inequalities in the short, medium and long terms.

Amendment to the fourth revised edition of the Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods: Manual of Tests and Criteria. This publication presents a compilation of the various tests and criteria that enable the competent authority to classify explosive substances and articles. It focuses on the classification procedures, test methods and criteria relating to explosives, self-reacting substances, organic peroxides, liquid desensitized explosives, flammable liquids and oxidizing substances.

The Report describes how terrorist, violent extremist and organized criminal groups are trying to take advantage of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic to expand their activities and jeopardize the efficacy and credibility of response measures by governments. The COVID-19 crisis has amplified misinformation and disinformation on social media and has created new opportunities for violent non-state actors. In recent months UNICRI has detected an exponential increase of malicious use of social media to undermine trust in governments and, at the same time, to reinforce extremist narratives, recruitment strategies and control of the territory by criminal groups. Terrorist, violent extremist and organized criminal groups have successfully exploited vulnerabilities in the social media to manipulate people and disseminate conspiracy theories. In this Report we analyse how technology can provide valid instruments to combat online disinformation and misinformation, highlighting both the advantages and the limitations. It must be emphasized that technology can support but not replace human ability and skills to evaluate the veracity of online information. Moreover, the effective use of technology to detect and debunk disinformation should empower people using social media so that they can make their own informed decisions about what is verified and what is not. This, then, can empower people to build a closer relationship with truth and justice. We hope this Report enhances knowledge and understanding of this complex problem and encourages the identification of new approaches to prevent and combat the malicious use of social media by violent non-state actors.

The World Mortality 2019, prepared by the Population Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations Secretariat, assesses changes in mortality risks at the global, regional and country levels, focusing in particular on the initial implementation period of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development, from 1994 to 2015. The report reviews the survival targets outlined in the ICPD Programme of Action and discusses them in the context of other internationally agreed mortality reduction goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals. It evaluates the progress of regions and countries with respect to life expectancy at birth, child mortality, mortality in the reproductive and working ages, and life expectancy at advanced ages and discusses the contributions of improvements in survival at different stages of life towards the achievement of the ICPD survival targets. Disparities in progress towards those targets are partially explained by examining differences between selected countries in the sex and age patterns of mortality reduction. Some priorities for future reductions in mortality risks are discussed.

The Manual of Tests and Criteria contains criteria, test methods and procedures to be used for classification of dangerous goods according to the provisions of Parts 2 and 3 of the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, Model Regulations, as well as of chemicals presenting physical hazards according to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). As a consequence, it supplements also national or international regulations which are derived from the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods or the GHS. At its ninth session (7 December 2018), the Committee adopted a set of amendments to the sixth revised edition of the Manual as amended by Amendment 1. This seventh revised edition takes account of these amendments. In addition, noting that the work to facilitate the use of the Manual in the context of the GHS had been completed, the Committee considered that the reference to the “Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods” in the title of the Manual was no longer appropriate, and decided that from now on, the Manual should be entitled “Manual of Tests and Criteria".

Expanding access to contraception is essential for achieving universal access to reproductive health-care services, as called for in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This Highlights presents estimates of contraceptive use and needs from 1990 to 2020, and projections to 2030 for 196 countries or areas of the world as well as regional and global trends. It describes the impact of population growth and changes in demand for family planning on the projected numbers of women who are contraceptive users or have unmet need for family planning. It also discusses global progress in meeting the demand for family planning with modern methods as called for in the 2030 Agenda (SDG indicator 3.7.1) and how satisfying the demand for family planning with modern methods can contribute towards progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

L'eau est une ressource qui n'est pas infinie et qui est non substituable. En tant que fondement de la vie, des sociétés et des économies, l'eau comporte de multiples valeurs et avantages. Mais contrairement à la plupart des autres ressources naturelles, il s’est avéré extrêmement difficile de déterminer sa véritable «valeur». L'édition 2021 du rapport mondial sur la mise en valeur de l'eau des Nations Unies, intitulée «Valuing Water» évalue l'état actuel et les défis de la valorisation de l'eau dans différents secteurs et perspectives et identifie les moyens de promouvoir sa valorisation en tant qu'outil pour aider à améliorer sa gestion et parvenir à un développement durable à l’échelle mondiale.

The report fosters understanding of the impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus) on trade and development and reflects on actions that can propel us to the future we want. It provides up-to-date data and analysis on the impact of COVID-19 on trade and development; identifies sustained trends to characterize the "new normal"; and provides policy recommendations to build a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable future.

This publication provides an overview of the work of the UNECE Sustainable Transport Division in supporting countries to overcome challenges faced by their inland transport systems related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Covering five thematic areas, it assesses the different impacts for each area and provides an overview of policy support measures in each of these fields, as provided by the Division: 1. Border Crossing Facilitation; 2. Transport trends and economics; 3. Intermodal transport and logistics; 4. Dangerous goods; 5. Vehicles regulations. The publication also provides an overview of a number of national, regional and international policy responses as developed by Governments, partner organisations such as WHO, WCO, EC etc. as well as the private sector in the wake of the pandemic. Finally, it provides a set of general recommendations and possible areas for further work in strengthening inland transport systems' resilience to and preparedness for (future) pandemics.

In January 2020, th e United Nations launched the global consultation to mark its 75th anniversary. Through surveys and dialogues, it asked people about their hopes and fears for the future – representing the UN’s most ambitious effort to date to understand expectations of international cooperation and of the UN in particular. It is also the largest survey to date on priorities for recovering from the COVID-19 (coronavirus, COVID) pandemic. By September 2020, over a million people from all countries and all walks of life had taken part. Their answers provide unique insights into what the public wants at this challenging time. The key findings are contained in this publication.

This eleventh edition of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Emissions Gap Report has been produced in a year where the COVID-19 crisis has dominated the news and policymaking and has caused immense suffering and economic and social disruption worldwide. This economic disruption has briefly slowed – but far from eliminated – the historic and ever-increasing burden of human activity on the Earth’s climate. This burden is observable in the continuing rise in extreme weather events, including wildfires and hurricanes, and in the melting of glaciers and ice at both poles. The year 2020 has set new records – they will not be the last. As in previous years, this report assesses the gap between estimated future global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions if countries implement their climate mitigation pledges and the global emission levels from least-cost pathways that are aligned with achieving the temperature goals of the Paris Agreement. This difference between “where we are likely to be and where we need to be” is known as the ‘emissions gap’. The report also examines two areas that are highly relevant for bridging the gap and which have become even more relevant in the wake of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic: the shipping and aviation sectors, where international emissions are not covered by nationally determined contributions (NDCs), and lifestyle change. Reflecting the unusual circumstances, the 2020 report deviates from its usual approach of exclusively considering consolidated data from previous years as the basis for assessment. To maximize its policy relevance, preliminary assessments of the implications of the pandemic and associated rescue and recovery measures are included throughout the report.

The report describes and analyses the impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus) on the maritime supply chain. It also identifies response measures adopted and sets out a list of lessons learned and good practices in resilience building and disruption management.

Disability-inclusive employment has yet to be achieved in the Asia-Pacific region, home to 472 million working-age persons with disabilities. Employment data concerning persons with disabilities are scarce across countries in the region. Where such data do exist, persons with disabilities - especially women, youth, and rural habitants among them - are found to fare worse than those without in the labor market. Disability at a Glance 2021: The Shaping of Disability-inclusive Employment in Asia and the Pacific seeks to equip ESCAP members and associate members with updated information and insights on promoting employment for persons with disabilities in the region, through snapshots of the latest figures, trends, policy developments, and inspirational practices.

As in previous reports, the 2021 World Drug Report (WDR) aims to improve the understanding of the world’s drug problem and to contribute towards fostering greater international cooperation for countering its impact on health, governance and security. Also, to the extent possible, the WDR contributes to the monitoring and reporting of SDGs. This edition includes an updated overview of recent trends on production, trafficking and consumption for non-medical purposes of key controlled substances. It further maintains a global overview of the baseline data and estimates on drug demand and supply and provides an analysis of the market for the different drugs.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to school closures around the world, affecting almost 1.6 billion students. The effects of even short disruptions in a child’s schooling on their learning and well-being have been shown to be acute and long lasting. The capacities of education systems to respond to the crisis by delivering remote learning and support to children and families have been diverse yet uneven. This report reviews the emerging evidence on remote learning throughout the global school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic to help guide decision-makers to build more effective, sustainable, and resilient education systems for current and future crises.

El presente número del Boletín vol. LXII, 2019 se centra en el tema de las drogas en la población nigeriana. Consta de nueve artículos que brindan información importante sobre la disponibilidad de medicamentos y su uso, las consecuencias y las implicaciones políticas para abordar el problema de las drogas en Nigeria de manera efectiva.

The report presents results from UN Women’s Rapid Gender Assessments specifically focused on violence against women and COVID-19 (VAW RGAs). The study is producing the first set of reliable, cross-country, and nationally representative data on topics related to VAW, women’s safety at home and in the public sphere during COVID-19 and access to resources, services, among others. The VAW RGAs were implemented in 13 countries spanning all regions: Albania, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Jordan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Morocco, Nigeria, Paraguay, Thailand and Ukraine with the general support of national statistical offices (NSOs) or national women’s machineries and funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. To ensure comparability, the survey was conducted with Ipsos as the survey research partner. The report presents pooled estimates from 13 countries on the extent of the shadow pandemic, women’s safety both in public and private spaces, as well as on their mental well-being and food insecurity. Data pertain to the reporting period April – September 2021.