UNITED NATIONS (CMC) — United Nations Secretary General António Guterres has called on the global community to help address the “unprecedented” impact of the novel coronavirus pandemic on Latin America and the Caribbean, saying that the region has become a “hot spot of the pandemic”.

In releasing a new policy initiative on how best to recover in a region already embroiled in poverty, hunger, unemployment, and inequality, Guterres said that several countries in the region are now among those with the highest per capita infection rates worldwide.

The initiative also shines a light on how the crisis is impacting vulnerable groups, including indigenous communities and women.

“The most vulnerable populations and individuals are once again being hit the hardest,” said Guterres in a video message on the pandemic’s effect throughout a zone grappling with fragmented health services, even before COVID-19.

The UN chief emphasised the impact of the coronavirus on women across the region, who make up the majority of the workforce and now bear the brunt of additional caregiving.

He highlighted the plight of older people and individuals with disabilities who are at greater risk, and indigenous peoples, those of African descent, migrants and refugees, who are suffering disproportionately.

The UN said it is projected that there will be a 9.1 per cent contraction in gross domestic product in the region, “which will be the largest in a century”.

While stressing the need to “do everything possible to limit the spread of the virus and tackle the health effects of the pandemic”, Guterres yesterday noted that “we must also address the unprecedented social and economic impacts”.

The UN said the policy brief underlines an array of urgent and longer-term steps for better recovery, including the prioritisation of distance learning and continued child-centred services to mitigate education interruptions.

It said governments within the region are also being asked to do more to reduce poverty, food insecurity, and malnutrition by providing basic emergency income and anti-hunger grants.

Guterres also flagged the urgent need for greater international support.

“I have called for a rescue and recovery package equivalent to more than 10 per cent of the global economy,” he said, underscoring the need of the international community to provide liquidity, financial assistance, and debt relief for Latin America and the Caribbean.

“Latin American and Caribbean countries, and, in particular, small-island developing states, should not be excluded from global assistance. The international multilateral response needs to be extended to middle-income countries.”

In addition, Guterres said broader structural challenges must be addressed to build back and transform the region’s development model.

Against the backdrop of pervasive inequality in the region, he said accessible and comprehensive welfare systems must be developed, fair taxation systems created, decent jobs promoted, environmental sustainability strengthened, and social protection mechanisms reinforced.

Moreover, Guterres said regional economic integration is required, with “women participating fully and safely in public and economic life”.

“Building back better demands strengthening democratic governance, human rights protection, and the rule of law, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”

The UN secretary general maintained that the root causes of inequality, political instability and displacement must be addressed, while underscoring that at a time when too many citizens feel excluded, “greater accountability and transparency are crucial”.

The UN said regional unemployment will surge from 8.1 per cent in 2019 to 13.5 per cent this year — yielding over 44 million people out of work, an increase of more than 18 million from last year.

Additionally, the UN said poverty is expected to jump by seven per cent to 37.2 per cent in 2020, leaving 230 million poverty-stricken people.

It said extreme poverty is forecast to rise by 4.5 per cent to 15.5 per cent, representing 28 million more people in dire straits (96 million in total).

Guterres expressed full solidarity with the people of Latin America and the Caribbean as they face these challenges, saying that “solidarity and compassion should be their guide”.

“Together, we can overcome this crisis and build inclusive and sustainable societies for all,” he added.