UN Eswatini staff to work from home as part of COVID-19 measures

The United Nations Development System in the Kingdom of Eswatini wishes to inform all partners that, with effect from Monday 23 March 2020, UN personnel will be working from home as part of UN Eswatini COVID-19 measures.

The United Nations in Eswatini has decided to undertake teleworking on a temporary basis as a main mode of operation to avoid risks exposure in line with the measures imposed by the Government of Eswatini and the guidelines for UN personnel received from the World Health Organisations (WHO) as well as the United Nations Headquarters.

As the UN in Eswatini moves to a new phase of its activation plan and in order to enhance the quality of its services under the prevailing circumstances, all UN personnel in Eswatini will continue to work remotely from home. Arrangements are being made to facilitate, as and where feasible, virtual meetings including with development partners, national counterparts from the Government, civil society and communities. Our main priorities, including continuity of UN operations and support to national authorities, remain unchanged.

We praise the Government, all partners, communities and individuals for their tireless efforts to protect and save lives, and put in place robust mechanisms to respond to the challenges and demands incurred as a result of COVID-19. All UN agencies, funds and programs will continue to work closely with the Government and partners in the National Emergency Management Task Force set up by the Prime Minister and through other existing mechanisms in which efforts towards COVID-19 prevention, preparedness, response and support to communities are deployed. We call upon everyone to take responsibility in preventing the spread of the disease.

We urge everybody to protect themselves as well as others, especially the most vulnerable ones such as the elderly and those with compromised immune systems by practising daily hygiene (e.g. washing hands, using sanitizers and soaps) and avoiding contagion (e.g. social distancing).

The United Nations Development System in the Kingdom of Eswatini remains committed to be a strong, reliable and strategic development partner to the Government and the people of Eswatini.

Statement issued by: UN Resident Coordinator and Designated Official for Security, Ms. Nathalie Ndongo-Seh

For more information, please contact: Mr. Sibusiso Mngadi, Communications Officer, UN Resident Coordinator’s Office. Mobile: 7683 8729 / 7983 8729 Email: sibusiso.mngadi@one.un.org Web: eswatini.un.org Twitter : @UEswatini Facebook : @UNEswatini