UNITED NATIONS, Apr 10: The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has impeded many peace processes across the globe, including the United Nations mediation efforts, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the UN Security Council.
On Thursday, in a closed meeting via videoconferencing, Guterres briefed the Security Council on the impacts of the COVID-19 health emergency on the United Nations.
“The [COVID-19] crisis has hindered international, regional and national conflict resolution efforts, exactly when they are needed most,” Guterres said. “Many peace processes have stalled as the world responds to COVID-19. Our good offices and mediation engagements have felt the impact.”
The secretary-general added that travel restrictions might also affect the UN’s confidence-based mechanisms and the ability of the world’s body to engage in diplomacy aimed at de-escalating potential conflicts.
On Tuesday, Guterres decided to freeze the rotation and deployment of peacekeeping personnel until June 30 in order to prevent the potential transmission of the disease.
(agencies)
Follow our WhatsApp channel
