Peace and Security

I thank the German Presidency for convening this important discussion.
 
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to profoundly affect peace and security across the globe.
 
The consequences can be seen even in a number of countries traditionally seen as “stable”. 
But the impacts are particularly apparent in countries already experiencing conflict or emerging from it – and may soon engulf others.
 
The risks are diverse.
 
Tensions are rising as a result of the severe socio-economic fallout of the crisis.
 

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Excellencies,

Dear colleagues and family members,

Each year, it is my solemn duty to honour our colleagues and friends who have lost their lives in the course of their service to the United Nations.

This year, because of the pandemic, we cannot be together in person.

But please know that each of our fallen colleagues is firmly in my heart, I believe is firmly in all our hearts.

I address you today with a deep sense of concern over the evolving situation in Israel and Palestine.

We are at a watershed moment.

Israel’s threat to annex parts of the occupied West Bank has alarmed Palestinians, many Israelis and the broader international community.

If implemented, annexation would constitute a most serious violation of international law, grievously harm the prospect of a two-State solution and undercut the possibilities of a renewal of negotiations.

I call on the Israeli Government to abandon its annexation plans.

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Allow me to ask before I start for us all to have a minute of silence in memory of all those peacekeepers that have lost their lives protecting the lives of the people we care for.

Today, we mark the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, in a context that is entirely unique in our history.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed almost everything we do – both here at Headquarters and everywhere in the field.

I thank the Government of Estonia for convening this debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict.
 
Protecting civilians must be a joint effort by Governments, civil society and international organizations. I look forward to hearing the views of Her Excellency Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Mr. Peter Maurer, the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross.
 

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I am pleased to be able to join you in this time of unprecedented crisis to discuss the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on peace and security in Africa.

The pandemic has exposed the fragility of our societies.

It is a global problem that demands a coordinated global response built on unity and solidarity.

As COVID-19 spreads across Africa, its governments have responded swiftly.

As of now, reported cases are lower than feared. 

 I welcome this opportunity to present my first report on youth, peace and security. 
 
Since this report was issued, our world has been shaken by the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Young people are feeling the impact acutely, from lost jobs to family stress, mental health and other hardships. 

Over 1.54 billion children and youth are out-of-school.  

Young refugees, displaced persons and others caught up in conflict or disaster now face even more vulnerability.  

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.
 

Ten days ago, I issued an appeal for an immediate ceasefire in all corners of the globe to reinforce diplomatic action, help create conditions for the delivery of lifesaving aid, and bring hope to places that are among the most vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This call was rooted in a fundamental recognition:  There should be only one fight in our world today: our shared battle against COVID-19. 

We know the pandemic is having profound social, economic and political consequences, including relating to international peace and security.