News headlines in May 2020, page 5

CARACAS, May 18 (IPS) - Remittances that support millions of households in Latin America and the Caribbean have plunged as family members lose jobs and income in their host countries, with entire families sliding back into poverty, as a result of the COVID-19 health crisis and global economic recession.

SYDNEY, Australia, May 18 (IPS) - The Asia Pacific region predominates in the numbers of victims of modern slavery. The region had 55 percent of the victims of forced marriage worldwide.This is the second of a 2-part series on trafficking and modern slavery in the Asia Pacific region.

NEW YORK, May 18 (IPS) - It's an indisputable fact: the United States leads the world in the number of Covid-19 deaths. As of 15 May, three months after the country's first confirmed coronavirus deaththe US death toll from the pandemic has reached a remarkable 88,000 deaths. That rising figure is more than double the number of coronavirus deaths of the next highest country, the United Kingdom at 34,000 deaths.

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, May 18 (IPS) - Sitting on the southern tip of Africa during a time of social distancing, while the entire planet fights Covid-19, we cannot help but reflect on how vulnerable our country is to this scourge.

NEW YORK, May 18 (IPS) - The World Health Organization (2019) states that every 40 seconds someone dies by suicide. Annually, this represents over 800,000 peoplemore than the number of people who die in conflict and by homicide put together. Every suicide is a tragedy that has long-lasting effects on the people left behind and most cases stem from prolonged mental health issues and abuses that are not reported.

MUMBAI, India, May 15 (IPS) - Children residing in Child Care Institutions (CCIs, commonly known as orphanages) in India have often found themselves to be the forgotten lot, when it comes to support and development initiatives by the government. This has also been the case during the current lockdown.

JOHANNESBURG, May 15 (IPS) - One of the planet's – and Africa's – deepest prejudices is being demolished by the way countries handle COVID-19. 

SYDNEY, Australia, May 15 (IPS) - Aged 17, Moe Turaga was saddled with the responsibility of providing for his mother and young siblings when a family member approached him with the promise of a job and education in Australia. Dreaming of a bright future for himself and his family, he seized the opportunity and left the protective confines of his home in Fiji, only to find himself trapped in modern slavery on a remote agriculture farm in the state of Victoria.

Ulaanbaatar/ New Delhi/ Sydney/ London, May 15 (IPS) - Mongolia is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world. Yet, more than 70 percent of its surface is affected by land degradation. Mining activities in several parts of the country have been a source of humanitarian and environmental concern. However, different stakeholders are coming together to work towards restoration and rehabilitation.

UNITED NATIONS, May 14 (IPS) - The relentless battle against the devastating coronavirus pandemic has been underlined by several widespread advisories from health experts – STAY HOME. WASH YOUR HANDS. WEAR MASK. KEEP SOCIAL DISTANCE.