Mr. President,
Thank you for convening this important discussion. The world faces its gravest test since the founding of this Organization. Every country is now grappling with, or poised to suffer, the devastating consequences of the COVID‑19 pandemic: the tens of thousands of lost lives; the broken families; the overwhelmed hospitals; the overworked essential workers. We are all struggling to absorb the unfolding shock: the jobs that have disappeared and businesses that have suffered; the fundamental and drastic shift to our daily lives; and the fear that the worst is still yet to come, especially in the developing world and in countries already battered by armed conflict.
While the COVID‑19 pandemic is first and foremost a health crisis, its implications are far‑reaching. We are already seeing its ruinous social and economic impacts, as governments around the world struggle to find effective responses to rising unemployment and economic downturn. But the pandemic also poses a significant threat to the maintenance of international peace and security—potentially leading to an increase in social unrest and violence that would greatly undermine our ability to fight the disease.
My concerns are many and widespread, but let me identify eight risks that are particularly pressing.
First, the COVID‑19 pandemic threatens to further erode trust in public institutions, particularly if citizens perceive that their authorities mishandled the response or were not transparent about the scope of the crisis.
Second, the economic fallout could create major stressors, particularly in fragile societies, less developed countries, and those in transition. Economic instability will have especially devastating impacts on women, who make up the vast majority of those sectors worst affected. The large numbers of female‑headed households in conflict settings are particularly vulnerable to economic shocks.
Third, the postponement of elections or referenda—or the decision to proceed with a vote, even with mitigation measures—can create political tensions and undermine legitimacy. Such decisions are best made following broad consultation aimed at consensus. This is not a time for political opportunism.
Fourth, in some conflict settings, the uncertainty created by the pandemic may incentivize some actors to promote further division and turmoil. This could lead to an escalation of violence and potentially devastating miscalculations, further entrenching ongoing wars and complicating efforts to fight the pandemic.
Fifth, the threat of terrorism remains alive. Terrorist groups may see a window of opportunity to strike while the attention of most governments is focused on the pandemic. The situation in the Sahel—where people face the double scourge of the virus and escalating terrorism—is of particular concern.
Sixth, the weaknesses and lack of preparedness exposed by this pandemic provide insight into how a bioterrorist attack might unfold—and may increase its risks. Non‑state groups could gain access to virulent strains that could pose similar devastation to societies around the globe.
Seventh, the crisis has hindered international, regional, and national conflict‑resolution efforts, exactly when they are needed most. Many peace processes have stalled as the world responds to COVID‑19. Our good offices and mediation efforts have been impacted. Restrictions on movement may continue to affect the work of various confidence‑building mechanisms, as well as our ability to engage in crisis diplomacy to de‑escalate tensions.
Eighth, the pandemic is triggering or exacerbating human rights challenges. We are seeing stigma, hate speech, and white supremacists and other extremists seeking to exploit the situation. We are witnessing discrimination in accessing health services. Refugees and internally displaced persons are particularly vulnerable. And there are growing manifestations of authoritarianism, including limits on the media, civic space, and freedom of expression.
Mr. President,
Recognizing the unprecedented challenge we face, on 23 March I called for an immediate global ceasefire. I urged all warring parties to silence the guns in order to help create conditions for the delivery of aid, open space for diplomacy, and bring hope to places most vulnerable to the pandemic. I have been encouraged by the support my call has received—from Heads of State and Government to regional partners, civil society activists, and religious leaders. From South America to Africa, and from the Middle East to Asia, we have seen conflict parties take initial steps to end violence and fight the pandemic.
Still, we must remain cautious. Gains are fragile and easily reversible. Conflicts have festered for years; distrust is deep; and spoilers are many. Moving from good intentions to implementation will require a concerted international effort. And in many critical situations, we have seen no let‑up in fighting; some conflicts have even intensified.
My Special Representatives and envoys will continue to engage with conflict actors to help ensure ceasefires are implemented and pave the way toward lasting political solutions. I also welcome efforts by other mediation actors. Despite the difficulties of convening parties for direct talks, we are using digital tools where possible to open and maintain channels of communication and de‑escalate crises.
Our missions continue to assist host governments in different ways—from distributing medical equipment, to facilitating humanitarian aid, to supporting national COVID‑19 response planning. In South Sudan, UNMISS, in cooperation with WHO, OCHA, and protection partners, has prioritized mass community sensitization campaigns to enhance hygiene and public health in protection‑of‑civilians sites. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, MONUSCO has deployed temporary bases to protect vulnerable populations affected by intercommunal violence. In Mali, MINUSMA supported the first round of elections last week, as well as the operations of the Malian armed forces. In Somalia, medical equipment is being distributed to all states—including Somaliland—in a positive sign of solidarity.
In Colombia, while the pandemic poses risks to the peace process, it has also prompted cooperation, such as the joint efforts of the Government and FARC to prevent contagion in reintegration areas. And in Yemen, my Special Envoy is engaging all parties to promote broad support for the ceasefire call. Yesterday, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced a unilateral ceasefire. I now call on the Government and Ansar Allah to follow through on their commitment to immediately cease hostilities.
Our peacekeeping operations and special political missions remain guided by four objectives: to support national authorities in their COVID‑19 response; to protect our personnel and preserve their ability to continue critical operations; to ensure our personnel are not vectors of contagion; and to help protect vulnerable communities while continuing to implement our mandates.
This past weekend, I notified troop‑ and police‑contributing countries that rotations, repatriations, and new deployments of military and police personnel would be suspended until the end of June, with limited exceptions. I thank these countries for their commitment. I also pay tribute to our dedicated personnel—military, police, and civilian—especially amid this crisis.
Also this week, in support of the Women, Peace and Security agenda, I followed my ceasefire appeal with an explicit call to end the rising violence against women and girls during the pandemic.
Mr. President,
The humanitarian community has mobilized swiftly in close cooperation with the World Health Organization. Two weeks ago, I launched the COVID‑19 Global Humanitarian Response Plan, focused on countries already facing humanitarian crises. The Central Emergency Response Fund has allocated $75 million, and as of two days ago, the Plan had received $396.5 million.
I highlight three priority areas where further support is needed: ensuring humanitarian access and opening corridors for safe, timely movement of goods and personnel; mobilizing strong and flexible funding for both the COVID‑19 Response Plan and existing humanitarian appeals; and protecting vulnerable populations and those least able to protect themselves. International humanitarian, human rights, and refugee law continue to apply—especially in challenging times like these.
Mr. President,
The engagement of the Security Council will be critical to mitigating the peace and security implications of the pandemic. A signal of unity and resolve from the Council would carry great weight in this anxious time. The Council played a crucial role during the HIV/AIDS crisis and the Ebola outbreak. To prevail against the pandemic today, we will need solidarity and the necessary resources.
The UN’s financial situation remains perilous. We have only enough cash to fund peacekeeping operations through the end of June and cannot pay troop‑ and police‑contributing countries.
Excellencies,
This is the fight of a generation—and the raison d’être of the United Nations itself. I offer condolences to all countries for their losses and reiterate my commitment to working with all of you to meet this all‑encompassing test.
Thank you.