STOCKHOLM: Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg has donated a $100,000 prize she won from a Danish foundation to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for use against the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Like the climate crisis, the coronavirus pandemic is a child rights crisis,” the 17-year-old was quoted as saying in a UNICEF statement.
“It will affect all children, now and in the long term, but vulnerable groups will be impacted the most,” she added. “I’m asking everyone to step up and join me in support of UNICEF’s vital work to save children’s lives, to protect health and continue education.”
Greta said she was honoured to Hunan Act Award and will donate the amount for the coronvirus crisis. The anti-poverty non-governmental organisation, Human Act, will match the $100,000 donation.
UNICEF said the funds would give it a boost as it struggles to support children impacted by anti-virus lockdowns and school closures, particularly in the fields of “food shortages, strained health care systems, violence and lost education.”
Thunberg said at the end of March that she had likely contracted the coronavirus, after experiencing several symptoms after a trip to central Europe.
“The time is now, there isn’t a day to lose. We must unite together in this fight.”
Thank you @GretaThunberg and Human Act for supporting our COVID-19 response.
Join Greta and help vulnerable children and families today. ????
— UNICEF (@UNICEF) April 30, 2020
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