Statement on behalf of 53 countries in their national capacity and as members of the Group of Friends of Women, Peace and Security, the Group of Friends of Children and Armed Conflict and/or the Group of Friends of the Protection of Civilians
We welcome and fully support the United Nations Secretary-General’s call for an immediate global ceasefire in all corners of the world in light of the global COVID-19 pandemic. We echo the Secretary-General that it is, “time to put armed conflict on lockdown and focus together on the true fight of our lives.”
As the global COVID-19 pandemic spreads, we are concerned about the plight of women, children, and all civilians caught in armed conflicts and other humanitarian crises, including the displaced and marginalized, older persons, persons with disabilities, and the wounded, sick, and detainees. These populations are already impacted disproportionately by armed conflict. An immediate global ceasefire would markedly reduce these impacts, allow for much-needed humanitarian assistance and protection, and hopefully diminish the spread of COVID-19.
We fully support the efforts of the United Nations, including the World Health Organization, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, UNICEF, and other specialized agencies, funds, and programs in responding to COVID-19. Their efforts are helping to ensure vulnerable civilians living in conflict-affected countries are protected. Furthermore, we extend our thanks and support to the humanitarian and healthcare workers on the frontlines of the response.
We stand together with all those affected by COVID-19, including civilians and vulnerable populations caught in armed conflicts and humanitarian crises around the world.
1. Andorra
2. Argentina
3. Australia
4. Austria
5. Belgium
6. Brazil
7. Canada
8. Chile
9. Colombia
10. Costa Rica
11. Cote d’Ivoire
12. Croatia
13. Czech Republic
14. Denmark
15. El Salvador
16. Estonia
17. Finland
18. France
19. Germany
20. Guinea
21. Hungary
22. Iceland
23. Indonesia
24. Ireland
25. Italy
26. Jamaica
27. Japan
28. Jordan
29. Republic of Korea
30. Kuwait
31. Liechtenstein
32. Lithuania
33. Luxembourg
34. Mali
35. Mexico
36. Montenegro
37. Namibia
38. The Netherlands
39. New Zealand
40. Norway
41. Philippines
42. Poland
43. Portugal
44. Qatar
45. San Marino
46. Slovakia
47. Slovenia
48. South Africa
49. Spain
50. Sweden
51. Switzerland
52. United Arab Emirates
53. Uruguay
UN Secretary General António Guterres calls for immediate Global Global Ceasefire https://t.co/2NBYfUE08J #ArriveAlive #COVID19 #CeaseFire @UN
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) April 27, 2020
