The current pandemic, and the looming financial crisis in its wake, should be a wakeup call for the international community
Reacting to the news that, after months of negotiations, the UN Security Council unanimously passed a resolution demanding a 90-day “humanitarian pause” in conflicts worldwide to allow states to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, Sherine Tadros, Head of Amnesty International’s UN Office in New York, said:
“Now, more than ever, the world must unite in its efforts to defeat COVID-19 and the global ceasefire demanded by the UN is meant to allow states to focus on this vital work. This is an important reminder that, in times of war and peace alike, states have a duty to ensure both security and access to healthcare.
“It’s true that armed conflicts increase the risk COVID-19 poses to already vulnerable groups. But Amnesty International has also documented how inadequate health and social protection systems can exacerbate the challenges faced by at-risk groups – including migrants, Indigenous peoples, older people and people who are homeless, among others – and seriously undermine their health and rights.
“The current pandemic, and the looming financial crisis in its wake, should be a wakeup call for the international community. To emerge victorious, all states should show resolve and commitment to upholding everyone’s right to health and safety, as well as other human rights, without discrimination, and work to build societies that champion this.”
