“The General Assembly [recognizes] that the COVID-19 pandemic is one of the greatest global challenges in the history of the United Nations,” the text of the resolution adopted on Friday said.
The resolution notes with concern the impact of the pandemic on health, the loss of life, wellbeing, humanitarian needs, human rights, livelihoods, food security, education, poverty and the global economy.
According to the resolution, the pandemic is reversing gains that had been reached globally in the framework of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The resolution notes the vital role of health and other frontline workers in addressing the global health crisis. It further points out with concern the spread of discrimination, hate speech and xenophobia, as well disinformation and propaganda on the Internet in relation to the pandemic.
The resolution was supported by 169 member states. The United States and Israel voted against its adoption, while Ukraine and Hungary abstained.
