In a message, Secretary-General António Guterres reminded everyone of their “special” duty, to stop the fighting and to focus on the common enemy, COVID-19.
“There is only one winner of conflict during a pandemic: the virus itself,” said Mr. Guterres.
“As the pandemic took hold, I called for a global ceasefire. Today we need a new push by the international community to make this a reality by the end of this year,” he added.
Cease-fires, the Secretary-General said, would ease immense suffering, help to lower the risk of famine, and create space for negotiations towards peace.
“Deep mistrust stands in the way. Yet I see reasons for hope. In some places, we see a standstill in the violence,” he said, noting that many Member States, religious leaders, civil society networks and others backed his call.
“Now is the time to intensify our efforts. Let us be inspired by the spirit of Gandhi and the enduring principles of the UN Charter,” added Mr. Guterres.