Reaction to UN Security Council global ceasefire resolution

“The UN Security Council’s unanimous vote to support the UN Secretary General’s call for a global ceasefire and to help fight COVID-19 is welcome – and is long overdue.

“Their paralysis at this critical time, when peace and cooperation are needed more than ever, has made containing the global pandemic an even more daunting challenge. They’ve failed to protect the millions of people who are suffering the devastating consequences of conflict. People in Yemen, Syria and other conflict zones now  face COVID-19 in countries where hospitals have been destroyed, borders are closed and not enough humanitarian assistance is getting through.

The UK should now show global leadership by taking concrete action to make this ceasefire a reality, ensuring respect for international rules and halting arms sales where they are fuelling these conflicts.”

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