The measure, which has been negotiated since May, was adopted by an overwhelming majority of 169 countries out of 193, with Ukraine and Hungary abstaining. The text, called an omnibus resolution because it covers multiple aspects of the pandemic, "acknowledges the key leadership role of WHO and the fundamental role of the United Nations system in catalyzing and coordinating the comprehensive global response to the Covid-19 pandemic." The United States withdrew from the WHO (World Health Organization) this spring, accusing the body of mismanaging the coronavirus pandemic and delaying launch of a global alert. Ahead of the vote, the United States unsuccessfully attempted to remove a paragraph on protecting women in the area of sexual and reproductive health, over objections about abortion. However more than 120 countries voted to keep it and 25 countries abstained.

Source: Dhaka Tribune September 12, 2020 03:22 UTC