Pandemic Threatens Peace, Risks New Conflicts - UN SG

By Staff, Agencies

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned Wednesday that the COVID-19 pandemic not only threatens gains in fighting global poverty and building peace but risks exacerbating existing conflicts and generating new ones.

Guterres told a Security Council meeting on the challenge of sustaining peace during the pandemic that his March 23 call for an immediate cease-fire in conflicts around the world to tackle the coronavirus led a number of warring parties to take steps to de-escalate and stop fighting.

"Yet, regrettably, in many instances, the pandemic did not move the parties to suspend hostilities or agree to a permanent ceasefire," Guterres said.

He also said that the pandemic has raised growing questions about the effectiveness of health systems, social services, trust in institutions and systems of governance.

"All of this means that our commitment to sustaining peace is more urgent than ever," he said.

Guterres pointed to three key dangers: erosion of public trust, destabilization of the global economic order, and weakening of "the social fabric."

"The perception that authorities are mishandling the crisis, or not being transparent or favoring political allies can lead to public disillusion in government and its institutions," he said.

The UN chief also warned that "without concerted action, inequalities, global poverty and the potential for instability and violence could grow for years."

While there have been many peaceful protests, Guterres said "in a number of countries, COVID-19 has been an excuse for harsh crackdowns and a spike in state repression."

The UN Secretary General stressed the importance of leadership.

"The world is looking to all leaders — including the council — to address this epic crisis in ways that make a concrete, meaningful and positive contribution to the lives of people," he said.

Guterres called for all sectors of society to engage in building peace and preventing and ending conflicts.