Nearly Half Of Global Workforce At Risk Of Losing Livelihoods Due To Coronavirus: UN
Mohammad Ali (@ChaudhryMAli88) Published October 14, 2020 | 09:27 PM
Nearly half of the world's 3.3 billion global workforce is at risk of losing their livelihoods as the coronavirus pandemic continues to ravage the world, a group of leading United Nations agencies warned on Wednesday
UNITED NATIONS, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Oct, 2020 ) :Nearly half of the world's 3.3 billion global workforce is at risk of losing their livelihoods as the coronavirus pandemic continues to ravage the world, a group of leading United Nations agencies warned on Wednesday.
The warning was contained in a joint statement issued in Geneva by the International Labour Organization (ILO), The World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) highlighting that tens of millions are at risk of falling into extreme poverty.
The statement said that the pandemic has not only led to a "dramatic loss" of human life but also constitutes an "unprecedented challenge" to public health, food systems and employment a group of leading UN agencies said on Tuesday.
"Now is the time for global solidarity and support, especially with the most vulnerable in our societies, particularly in the emerging and developing world", the statement said.
"Only together can we overcome the intertwined health and social and economic impacts of the pandemic and prevent its escalation into a protracted humanitarian and food security catastrophe, with the potential loss of already achieved development gains".
The pandemic has decimated jobs and placed millions of livelihoods at risk, the UN agencies said.
Pointing out that "millions of enterprises face an existential threat", they indicated that nearly half of the world's 3.3 billion workforce risks losing its livelihood.
Unable to earn an income during lockdowns and without sufficient social protections or health care, informal economy workers are particularly vulnerable � many powerless to feed themselves and their families.
At the same time millions of wage-earning and self-employed agricultural workers face high levels of poverty, malnutrition and poor health.
With low or irregular incomes and no social support, many are spurred to continue working in unsafe conditions, exposing themselves and their families to additional risks.
Moreover, amidst income losses, the agencies flagged that they may resort to unwise strategies, such as panic-selling of possessions, predatory loans or child labour.
"Migrant agricultural workers are particularly vulnerable, because they face risks in their transport, working and living conditions and struggle to access support measures put in place by governments", the statement added.
The pandemic has also laid bare the fragility of the entire food system.
Border closures, trade restrictions and confinement measures have disrupted domestic and international food supply chains and reduced access to healthy, safe and diverse diets.
The UN agencies underscored that long-term strategies must be developed to "address the challenges facing the health and agri-food sectors" with priority given to underlying food security, malnutrition challenges, rural poverty and social protections, among other things.
The UN is committed to pooling its expertise and experience to help countries respond to the crisis and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
"We must recognize this opportunity to build back better", the statement stressed.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 26 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 26 April 2024
ICC Womens T20 World Cup Qualifier, Match 2: Ireland Women open with Comfortable ..
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
Shahzeb Chachar to hold khuli kachehri on April 26
Heatwave amid Israel's aggression in Gaza brings new misery, disease risk
Tourism must change, mayor says as Venice launches entry fee
Court adjourns Judicial Complex attack case till May 17
Nasreen Noori’s book ‘Popatan Jahra Khwab’ launched
Wafaqi Mohtasib inspection team visits Excise and taxation office
AJLAC announces 5th Conference titled ‘People’s Mandate: Safeguarding Civil ..
Pak-US officials engage to enhance trade, investment ties
More Stories From World
-
Famine-threatened Sudan's 'race against time' to plant crops
5 minutes ago -
Microsoft, Google earnings shine as AI drives revenue
25 minutes ago -
Man City crush Brighton to close gap on Arsenal in title race
25 minutes ago -
Atletico face Bilbao challenge in Champions League race
35 minutes ago -
Man City in title groove as Arsenal face Spurs test
35 minutes ago -
Japan anime studio draws on talent of autistic artists
55 minutes ago
-
Pakistan needs strong defence in view of its location in 'rough' neighbourhood: Masood Khan
55 minutes ago -
Bangladesh children sweat at home as heatwave shuts schools
1 hour ago -
Iconic shared Olympic gold moment will not be repeated, says Barshim
1 hour ago -
Bangladesh children sweat at home as heatwave shuts schools
2 hours ago -
Pakistani 'Blue Helmets' serving UN Peacekeeping Mission in DR Congo set to leave after 20 years of ..
2 hours ago -
Golf: PGA Zurich Classic of New Orleans scores
2 hours ago