In blocking the UN plan, the leaders of the US, China and Russia are responsible for more conflict and chaos
Two months have passed since António Guterres, the UN secretary-general, called on warring parties around the world to lay down their weapons and help fight another battle – against Covid-19. “The fury of the virus illustrates the folly of war,” Guterres said. “That is why I am calling for an immediate global ceasefire … It is time to put armed conflict on lockdown.”
This was and remains an entirely sensible idea. The UN leader’s appeal received strong support from civil society groups, charities, churches and human rights organisations. In Colombia, the Philippines and South Sudan, armed groups initially heeded his call. But to their great shame, the US, China and Russia blocked the plan in the UN security council. They continue to do so.
Those who suggest a global ceasefire would be a merely symbolic gesture should listen to the Norwegian Refugee Council. Since 23 March, when Guterres spoke, more than 660,000 people around the world have been forced to flee their homes because of armed conflict, it reported last week. Failed ceasefires in Yemen, Libya and Afghanistan continue to take a dreadful daily toll of civilian lives.
“This not only hurts those who are forced to flee. It seriously undermines joint efforts to combat the virus,” said the NRC’s chief, Jan Egeland. “While people are being displaced and killed, powerful members of the UN security council squabble like children in a sandbox. World leaders must unite in protecting all communities from Covid-19.”
Donald Trump’s objections to a ceasefire resolution, repeatedly proposed and delayed in recent weeks, have nothing to do with war or virus-related suffering, to which he appears indifferent. Trump dislikes the fact that the latest draft refers, indirectly, to the World Health Organization – with which he is irrationally feuding as part of his China virus vendetta.
from World news | The Guardian https://ift.tt/3ebERNQ
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