28 March - 3 April 2020
This Week in DPPAis a brief roundup of political and peacebuilding events and developments at UNHQ and around the world.
COVID-19
Colombia: Let’s focus on the true fight of our lives
The Special Representative and Head of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia, Carlos Ruiz Massieu, issued a statement on COVID-19 in the country on 28 March. “It is time to deepen dialogue and reconciliation at all levels and to lend a helping hand to the most vulnerable communities,” the Special Representative stated. He also echoed Secretary-General António Guterres’ call to "put armed conflict in lockdown and focus together on the true fight of our lives."
Colombia's ELN guerrillas have declared "an active unilateral ceasefire for a month, from 1 to 30 April in a humanitarian gesture of the ELN with the Colombian people, who are suffering from devastation because of the coronavirus."
As of 2 April, the Colombian Ministry of Health had confirmed 1,161 cases of COVID-19 across the country, 19 deaths and 55 recovered.
Read the full statement here
Somalia: We must all unite to prevent the spread of the virus
The UN system in Somalia issued a joint statement on COVID-19 on 31 March. “The UN family in Somalia stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Somalia during this testing time. We will continue to support all efforts to address the immediate health and long-term socio-economic impact of COVID-19,” said James Swan, the Special Representative for Somalia and Head of UNSOM. “We must all unite to prevent the spread of the virus. We need to pay particular attention to the most vulnerable in our communities, including internally displaced people, the infirm and the elderly.”
Read the full statement here
Read more in UN News
Great Lakes: United and determined, we will defeat COVID-19
Huang Xia, Special Envoy for the Great Lakes, issued a statement encouraging Governments of the region to coordinate efforts to meet the challenges posed by the pandemic, building on experience from fighting diseases such as Ebola. “United and determined, we will defeat the COVID-19,” the Special Envoy said.
Read the full statement here
Geneva International Discussions: Protect vulnerable conflict-affected populations
The Co-Chairs of the Geneva International Discussions (GID) issued a statement on 31 March saying they are fully engaged to help address challenges created by the coronavirus pandemic. They urge GID participants to protect vulnerable conflict-affected populations, especially in isolated areas.
Read the full statement here
Yemen: Joint efforts need to counter the threat of COVID-19
The Office of the Special Envoy for Yemen is engaging with conflict parties to reach a nationwide ceasefire to foster joint efforts against COVID-19. Special Envoy Martin Griffiths is conducting bilateral consultations and hopes to convene virtual meetings soon.
Read the full statement here
For up-to-date information on COVID-19 and its impact, please visit:
WHO website
UN coronavirus website
Security Council
Council adopts four resolutions amidst pandemic
The Security Council considered situations in Syria, the Middle East, and Afghanistan via video teleconferencing, adopting four draft resolutions to ensure continuity of operations. A temporary written procedure was implemented for voting. The informal plan of VTCs for April was posted online. Records of discussions will be issued as official documents.
Pedersen: COVID-19 “an enormous threat to Syrians”
Special Envoy Geir O. Pedersen updated the Security Council on Syria, stressing that COVID-19 is an enormous threat and requires a shift in mindset.
Read the full statement here
Read more in UN News
Mladenov: “The situation on the ground remains fragile”
Special Coordinator Nickolay Mladenov briefed the Council on Resolution 2334 (2016) and the fragile situation amid COVID-19.
Read the full statement here
Hayden: “Afghanistan appears to be reaching a defining moment”
Ingrid Hayden updated the Council on Afghanistan, noting the grave dangers posed by COVID-19 and the need for peace talks.
Read the full statement here
Read more in UN News
Please see the Security Council website for an updated program of work.
Yemen
Meeting with Yemeni women’s Technical Advisory Group
Special Envoy Martin Griffiths held a video conference with the Yemeni women’s Technical Advisory Group on 31 March to discuss measures to alleviate suffering and respond to COVID-19.
Read more here
Colombia
UN Mission participates in Senate virtual session on killings of ex-combatants and social leaders
The Colombian Senate held a virtual session on 2 April to discuss security concerns. Special Representative Carlos Ruiz-Massieu emphasized strengthening mechanisms from the Peace Agreement.
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