YouSaid · the spoken record

Samson S. Itegboje

lines on the record: 43
first: 2020-07-02
most recent: 2020-08-12
sittings or episodes: 4
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“In conclusion, there is no gainsaying the fact that the challenges brought about by the pandemic are enormous and, since no single country can confront the problem alone, we urge for the continuation of the ongoing joint and collaborative efforts towards the mitigation of, and a possible solution to, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic to allow for the timely realization of the Sustainable Development Goals. We therefore wish to thank the President-elect of the General Assembly at its seventy-fifth session, Mr. Volkan Bozkir, for taking cognizance of the need for sustained multilateral action on COVID-19 by adopting the theme “The future we want, the United Nations we need: reaffirming our collective commitment to multilateralism — confronting COVID-19 through effective multilateral action” for the session.”
2020-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/799 (2020) · source
“Nigeria, in coordination with the United Nations, is to set up the Nigeria COVID-19 Response Fund as a single national platform and financing framework that will foster coordination, the effective mobilization of resources and the deployment of strategies for an impactful response. Such palliative funds or facilities by international organizations and financial institutions could be sustained within short- to medium- term frameworks, or as dictated by unfolding circumstances, for States in need as they gradually recover from the economic slowdown occasioned by the pandemic. This also reduces conflicts related to the vulnerability of weakened economies.”
2020-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/799 (2020) · source
“It is also heartening to commend the Security Council for finally adopting, on 1 July, resolution 2532 (2020), demanding a cessation of hostilities in all situations on its agenda and calling for all conflict parties to engage in a humanitarian pause for at least 90 days. It also calls for all relevant parts of the United Nations system to accelerate their response to the pandemic, with emphasis on countries in need. We wish to express our gratitude to the United Nations, the European Union, the United States of America, Norway, financial institutions, et cetera for their contributions to Nigeria’s efforts to mitigate the effects of COVID-19.”
2020-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/799 (2020) · source
“A holistic and systematic approach needs to be harnessed to address the multidimensional risks to peace generated by the COVID-19 pandemic. All opportunities should be exploited to unlock the possibilities for strengthening peacebuilding and sustaining peace. In order to ensure that no one is left behind and for the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs to remain a keystone of an international commitment to sustainable development as the world moves through and beyond the public health emergency presented by COVID-19, we must continue to work towards building peaceful societies, as they are a panacea for the 2030 Agenda in its last decade of action. Nigeria fully supports the Secretary-General’s 23 March global ceasefire appeal to combat COVID-19 in conflict-affected countries.”
2020-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/799 (2020) · source
“This has also put on hold person-to-person dialogues and workshops. Another impediment that has been highlighted on a more operational level among some agencies is the use of protective gear, which prevents the facial recognition of the populations being attended to, thereby increasing a sense of mistrust. The United Nations system can strengthen the advancement of sustaining its peace agenda in the COVID-19 response by continuing to adopt a more integrated and coherent approach. This should involve all United Nations organs and agencies, along with other crucial entities, including regional and subregional organizations, international financial institutions, the private sector and civil society groups.”
2020-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/799 (2020) · source
“Although the risk of violence may have increased during the pandemic, building back better is also an opportunity for the promotion of peaceful societies, in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16. This would present a more deliberate effort by Governments to ensure that countries are able to navigate the health crisis and its socioeconomic consequences, while minimizing social conflicts. Furthermore, the challenges posed by the pandemic have significantly hampered the work of the United Nations system, including peacekeeping operations, special political missions and the Peacebuilding Commission, whose peacebuilding efforts have been disrupted. The lockdowns have limited movements of peacekeeping missions and may have also led to scepticism by local populations towards the peacekeepers for fear of virus transmission.”
2020-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/799 (2020) · source
“While they have been at the receiving end of having to maintain the socioeconomic fabric of families despite job losses, they have equally been subjected to domestic violence and other unsavoury conditions. However, women bring a unique perspective to the peacebuilding process, which is why gender issues should be institutionalized in policy frameworks that include decision-making and peace-building initiatives. All factors associated with the crisis have highlighted new patterns of exclusion in a very direct way and provide opportunities to create inclusive dialogue around health and socioeconomic issues and the need for Governments to reach underserved areas.”
2020-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/799 (2020) · source
“In conflict-affected countries where populations already suffer from multiple risks associated with the pandemic, the situation is further aggravated by a lack of access to markets, disruption of supply chains and mobility restraints leading to closure of markets. The inability to maintain social distancing among populations where health and sanitary facilities are inadequate, especially in camps, also presents another challenging security-risk scenario, with a potential for a high rate of infections that could spread to nearby communities. The COVID-19 pandemic has therefore unmasked the gradations of inequality as well as the prospects for resilience and recovery. Women have perhaps been the most affected by the effects of the pandemic.”
2020-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/799 (2020) · source
“The resultant effects of the inequalities created by the pandemic within societies, across continents and between countries can be seen in the faces of disadvantaged and vulnerable groups, especially refugees, the internally displaced and millions of people eking out a living in informal settlements across the globe. Unfortunately, current responses to the crisis at the international, national and local levels have not adequately demonstrated conflict-sensitivity or taken an inclusive peacebuilding approach. Rather, the lockdowns have led to horrific increases in violence against youth, women and children and had an impact on the social and political tensions that persist in the absence of any meaningful response to addressing these inequalities in protecting human rights even where failure to do so undermines democratic values.”
2020-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/799 (2020) · source
“This situation has also fundamentally affected the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with this impact being more pronounced in fragile and conflict-affected States. The crisis created by the pandemic is beyond the immediate health impact. Governments’ initial responses to the deadly virus, which included immediate shutdown of borders and of formal and informal sectors, have affected economies worldwide, leading to food insecurity, job losses and deepening inequality. These issues can intensify pre-existing social-structure challenges in any country, creating additional layers of grievances, as the most vulnerable populations become more disproportionately affected. In some situations, these issues create new threats to international peace and security, particularly when they take place across sensitive regional boundaries.”
2020-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/799 (2020) · source
“At the outset, let me thank the Permanent Mission of Indonesia for organizing today’s open debate. Our special appreciation also goes to Mr. António Guterres, Secretary-General; Mr. Ban Ki-moon, former Secretary-General; Ms. Sarah Cliffe, Director, Centre on International Cooperation, New York University; as well as all the other speakers, for sharing their perspectives on this important subject. My delegation would like to make the following additional remarks in its national capacity. The surge of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in the early months of 2020 is already reshaping our politics, societies and economies both domestically and globally. However, owing to lack of immunity within populations, it is likely to remain a global threat for a protracted period.”
2020-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/799 (2020) · source
“That is why it is critical during this period to enhance our focus on illicit financial flows at the national, bilateral and multilateral levels. Nigeria commends the African Union for its role in convening and coordinating continental police forces and actions, as well as marshalling international solidarity and mobilizing resources. In conclusion, with the support of UNODC, Nigeria is aligning its national legislation with the provisions of international counter-terrorism conventions and protocols, and is developing appropriate legal frameworks in line with the key Council resolutions that address the linkages between terrorism and organized crime and identify areas for further action.”
2020-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/791 (2020) · source
“The implementation of the action plan is supported by the technical and capacity-building assistance of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate, as well as the help of several partners to implement mechanisms such as the National Drug Control Master Plan for 2015 to 2019, a key strategy document on drugs that promotes a balanced and evidence-based response to drug control in the country. The UNODC is currently supporting the development of the next Master Plan for the 2020-2024 period, which stresses the importance of cooperation. At this juncture, let me state that the issue of illicit financial flows and organized crime is twofold. The first part is the immediate need to track bilateral and multilateral aid disbursements and safeguard them from fraud and theft.”
2020-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/791 (2020) · source
“Nigeria continues to take important steps in its efforts to fight terrorism in the north-east of the country. We have endorsed an action plan for strengthening our criminal justice response to terrorism and organized crime. The action plan identifies concrete steps to strengthen our capacity to effectively screen and prosecute, as necessary, persons associated with Boko Haram in accordance with international standards and good practices.”
2020-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/791 (2020) · source
“At the subregional level, the Economic Community of West African States continues to emphasize the importance of investing more in promoting effective border-control and surveillance technologies, including through introducing biometric identity documents. It also stresses the importance of effective regulation while bearing in mind the need to protect basic human rights and fundamental freedoms, especially freedom of movement among its member States. Furthermore, with the support of the international community, West African Governments have concentrated efforts to enhance the capacity of national justice systems, cooperation between and among border police and financial intelligence units, as well as the involvement of civil society and local communities in efforts to prevent and combat terrorism and organized crime.”
2020-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/791 (2020) · source
“In Africa, the African Union (AU) underscores the need for collective approaches among member States to fight against terrorism and transnational organized crime and urges its member States to sign and ratify all existing AU and relevant international instruments on the prevention and combating of terrorism, violent extremism and organized crime. The Committee of Intelligence and Security Services of Africa, the African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism and the African Police Cooperation Organization are part of the security apparatus set up in order to build collective synergies to promote and enhance coherence and complementarity — rather than duplicate efforts — through the sharing of information and intelligence among the relevant security agencies of its member States.”
2020-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/791 (2020) · source
“As countries take necessary emergency measures to provide economic safety nets for their citizens and businesses, organized criminal networks are exploiting gaps and opportunities and becoming increasingly complex in their operations. Global border closures and transportation shutdowns are impacting patterns of human and wildlife trafficking and migrant smuggling. Cybercrime is also on the rise as many have turned to the Internet as their primary link to the world. We acknowledge that the Security Council, through resolution 2482 (2019), has provided much-needed leadership to give impetus to the fight against terrorism and organized crime.”
2020-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/791 (2020) · source
“However, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has diverted the attention and resources of national authorities to address the new challenges that have emerged. That includes the limited ability of law enforcement to conduct operations, as well as implications to border security as transit patterns shift towards irregular routes due to air travel restrictions. The COVID-19 pandemic has indeed presented challenges for regional cooperation, with many State institutions under considerable strain to respond to the health, economic, political, social and security dimensions of the crisis within their own borders.”
2020-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/791 (2020) · source
“There are growing concerns that terrorists can benefit from organized crime, whether domestic or transnational, through activities such as trafficking in arms, persons, drugs, artefacts and cultural property; the illicit trade of natural resources and wildlife; the abuse of legitimate commercial enterprise, non-profit organizations, donations and crowd-funding; and the proceeds of criminal activity, including kidnapping for ransom, extortion, bank robbery, as well as transnational organized crime at sea. Through its various resolutions, the Security Council has addressed the linkages between some type of organized crimes and terrorist activities, such as kidnapping for ransom and illicit trafficking in persons, firearms, cultural property, oil, charcoal and drugs.”
2020-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/791 (2020) · source
“I would like to thank you, Sir, for organizing today’s open debate on addressing the linkages between terrorism and organized crime. We also thank the other briefers for sharing their perspectives on this important subject. My delegation would nonetheless like to make the following additional remarks in its national capacity. The nexus between terrorism and organized crime facing the international community flourishes where governance and State presence are weak. Terrorist and organized criminal networks use similar approaches to develop and run illicit economies, and often develop and exploit territories beyond the reach of law enforcement agencies, where they can safely recruit members and raise funds. Terrorism and organized crime not only finance conflict but also promote corruption and undermine institutions.”
2020-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/791 (2020) · source
“Sexual violence in armed conflicts must be subject to absolute prohibition, as impunity for the crime has no place in the twenty-first century.”
2020-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/727 (2020) · source
“It also seeks to support the restoration of livelihoods, generate jobs, secure communities, drive infrastructure development, facilitate peacebuilding, revamp agriculture, which is the lifeblood of the north-eastern region, and resuscitate health-care services. Indeed, the Buhari Plan is the blueprint for the comprehensive humanitarian relief and socioeconomic stabilization of the north-east, as well as the return and resettlement of displaced persons. It is designed to achieve the peace, stability, socioeconomic rehabilitation, reconstruction and long-term sustainable economic development of the region. Let me conclude by noting that sexual violence, whenever and wherever it occurs, is a crime and cannot be justified.”
2020-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/727 (2020) · source
“This road map was unveiled domestically in Nigeria in July 2018 and launched internationally in Berlin in September 2018. The road map is proactive in nature, aiming, first and foremost, to prevent possible cases of gender-based violence, especially in emergencies and humanitarian situations. A further measure is the launch and the ongoing implementation of the Buhari Plan. This is a presidential initiative of the current Administration that seeks to provide immediate relief to the people of the north-east, offer psychosocial support to survivors of conflict-related sexual violence and rehabilitate and resettle IDPs.”
2020-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/727 (2020) · source
“Nigeria also established of the Protection Sector Working Group (PSWG), which is made up of all the protection response agencies, such as the National Human Rights Commission, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, the National Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Ministry of Women and Youth Development. Through the PSWG, Nigeria drafted a standard operating procedure (SOP) for the protection of vulnerable groups in emergency settings. The SOP serves as a tool for case management and referrals of survivors of human right abuses in the internally displaced person (IDP) camps. Another specific measure is the launch and the ongoing implementation of the road map on preventing gender-based violence in the Lake Chad region.”
2020-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/727 (2020) · source
“As part of this, the Nigerian Government, through its Institute of Peace and Conflict Resolution, helped to facilitate the adoption and operationalization of the handover protocol on children and armed conflict, including the handing over of children in armed conflict encountered during operations to civilian child protection actors. It should be pointed out that Nigeria does not see children in armed conflict as being in conflict with the law but as victims who must be protected. Also, with regard to the high number of unaccompanied, separated and orphaned children, the Government, through the National Emergency Management Agency and other humanitarian actors, is working towards the rehabilitation, reintegration and family reunification of children affected by Boko Haram.”
2020-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/727 (2020) · source
“Among other things, this is a trust-building mechanism so as to win the hearts and minds of civilians in the fight against Boko Haram. The specific steps also include the provision of social and medical outreach for civilians by the military; the provision of ongoing workshops and training sessions for military personnel by the Office of the National Security Adviser on various human rights topics, including civilian protection, children in conflict, tracking civilian harm, sexual exploitation and abuse; the revision of the rules of engagement and the code of conduct of the Nigerian military to reflect international humanitarian and human rights standards; and comprehensive security sector reform.”
2020-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/727 (2020) · source
“Some of the specific steps taken in that regard include, but are not limited to, the following: the diligent prosecution of those found to have perpetrated the crime of conflict-related sexual violence; the provision of psychosocial support where survivors are provided with protection, reparations and holistic health and psychosocial services; the use of leaders at the national and local levels, including community, religious and traditional leaders, to play a more active role in advocating within communities against sexual violence in conflict; the creation of a human rights desk, working in a synergistic fashion between the National Human Rights Commission and the Ministry of Defence to investigate and prosecute, where applicable, human rights abuses by the Nigerian military; and the establishment of a civil-military relations department in the Nigerian Defence Headquarters to enhance the civil-military relationship and information-sharing.”
2020-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/727 (2020) · source
“In its efforts to stem the tide and to prevent other potential human rights violations, the Nigerian Government has put in place a number of measures to address the situation in north-eastern Nigeria in a holistic manner. These measures centre on the issues of accountability for the crime of conflict-related sexual violence, the well-being of the survivor and prevention. The measures also emphasize respect for human rights and the rule of law, humanitarian assistance and the protection of civilians, crisis prevention and stabilization, and resilience-building for sustainable development, as well as regional cross-border cooperation.”
2020-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/727 (2020) · source
“The problem of fragmentation and overlap in the United Nations system demands a framework for implementation and accountability, which, he argues, would increase the perceived or actual cost for perpetrators and serve as a deterrent. Nigeria has had its fair share of conflict-related sexual violence, especially in the north-east, largely perpetrated by Boko Haram terrorists. As has been the case since 2014, the Secretary-General’s annual report on conflict-related sexual violence contains an annex that rightly lists Boko Haram terrorists among the “parties credibly suspected of committing or being responsible for patterns of rape or other forms of sexual violence in situations of armed conflict in countries on the agenda of the Security Council” (S/2020/487, para. 74).”
2020-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/727 (2020) · source
“The pandemic has also had a negative impact on the availability of immediate life-saving assistance and accessibility to other multisectoral aid for survivors of sexual violence in many settings. The majority of the shelters for gender-based violence survivors have been closed and mobile clinics and counselling services cancelled, as the already scarce resources are diverted to other areas impacted by the pandemic. The Secretary-General’s report highlights areas of strength and weakness in the implementation of the conflict-related sexual violence mandate. His recommendations, if embraced, can enhance coordination and effectiveness. One gap identified was the significant lack of compliance with prevailing commitments.”
2020-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/727 (2020) · source
“It is an obstacle to women’s ability to live dignified lives, free from fear. During times of conflict and instability, it can also pose significant security challenges, as violence is normalized, while sexual violence is often used to punish and terrorize populations, fuel displacement and destroy the fabric of communities. The impact of such acts, if unchecked, further fuels extremism, instability and collapse of the rule of law. The coronavirus disease pandemic has further compounded the problem, as the imposition of quarantines, curfews, lockdowns and other restrictions on movement have hampered the possibility for survivors of sexual-related violence to report new cases. This further heightens the existing structural, institutional and sociocultural barriers to seeking redress for such crimes.”
2020-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/727 (2020) · source
“That link may be evident in the profile of the perpetrator, who is often affiliated with a State or a non-State armed group, which includes terrorist entities; the profile of the victim, who is frequently an actual or perceived member of a political, ethnic or religious minority group or targeted on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity; and the climate of impunity, which is generally associated with State collapse, cross-border consequences, such as displacement or trafficking, and/or violations of a ceasefire agreement. The term also encompasses trafficking in persons for the purpose of sexual violence or exploitation when committed in situations of conflict. Conflict-related sexual violence is a pervasive human rights violation that prevents women and girls from reaching their full potential.”
2020-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/727 (2020) · source
“I thank the Foreign Minister, His Excellency Mr. Heiko Maas, and the delegation of Germany for organizing this important debate. Our appreciation also goes to all the briefers for sharing their perspectives on this very important subject. The term “conflict-related sexual violence”, as reflected in the Secretary General’s report for 2019 (S/2020/487), refers to rape, sexual slavery, forced prostitution, forced pregnancy, forced abortion, enforced sterilization, forced marriage and any other form of sexual violence of comparable gravity perpetrated against women, men, girls or boys that is directly or indirectly linked to a conflict.”
2020-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/727 (2020) · source
“The Security Council is expected to be the ultimate enforcer of preventive mechanisms to save the world from the scourge of war; its failure or success will determine the fate of humankind amid the myriad of threats to international peace and security arising not only from war and terrorism but also from deadly pandemics such as COVID-19, whose effect is especially profound, given that it is an unseen enemy that respects no individual, social stratum, race, religion, ideological tendency or military might, and which is capable of killing millions without a single nuclear or conventional weapon.”
2020-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/663 (2020) · source
“Essentially, the innovations and practices that emerged in this process and which are specific to the virus may change over time in response to the potential severity of the risk that the virus still poses as countries continue their search for the right vaccine for the novel virus. Let me conclude by appealing for sustained vigilance by the international community towards our collective responsibility to protect civilians. If we act purposefully and in concert, we can better shield civilians from the ravages of armed conflict and its attendant security implications.”
2020-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/663 (2020) · source
“It is unlikely that the risk to civilians in those situations will be overcome in the short to medium term. The more likely scenario is that the effects of the coronavirus, coupled with other enduring factors, such as climate change and food insecurity, will likely exacerbate the instability and increase the associated risks. Nevertheless, most peace operations have demonstrated remarkable resilience in the way they have coped with and adapted to the crisis. Africa, where the bulk of the peace operations are deployed, appeared to have been spared from the initial brunt of the crisis, but may perhaps be bracing to address the virus spread in the medium term.”
2020-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/663 (2020) · source
“That measure seeks to slow the spread of the virus to the troops and from the troops by limiting travel to countries in conflict. If unchecked, such movements of peacekeepers could potentially spread the virus to local populations, with huge fatalities. Given that health care in conflict situations is delivered by a wide range of national and international agencies, extensive collaboration between relevant health authorities and implementing partners should be encouraged. The World Health Organization has a major role to play in assisting its regional offices to effectively cooperate with Member States in their respective regions. At the regional and global level, the African Union and the United Nations may face a situation where peace operations have significantly less capacity.”
2020-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/663 (2020) · source
“We stress the need for a cessation of hostilities in times of pandemic, as emphasized in the Secretary-General’s call for a global ceasefire. The ongoing conflicts have hampered access to timely deliveries of supplies and have hindered the implementation of control measures, thereby making access difficult for humanitarian relief agencies. The Secretary-General’s call has been endorsed by 114 Governments, regional organizations and leaders. In addition, civil society groups and 16 armed groups have also supported the call. The effects of that support has not yet been fully felt. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted peace operations, including restrictions on their movement and troop rotations. We commend the United Nations initiative to freeze rotations in countries where peacekeeping operations are fragile.”
2020-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/663 (2020) · source
“The spread of the virus and the unanticipated and unprepared swift lockdown measures taken by States on a global level have hampered their social and economic development and exposed their weak governance, which failed to support and protect its population. It has also exposed the inadequacies of Governments in dealing with unexpected situations of such magnitude that they not only threaten lives but also food security. As the world battles to contain the pandemic, it has become glaringly evident that effective prevention and response to a pandemic require national health systems that are well-funded, equipped, accessible and well-staffed, with emergency response measures capable of tackling the current novel coronavirus and other related diseases of such proportions.”
2020-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/663 (2020) · source
“Unlike the proactive measures taken by the Security Council during the HIV/ AIDS and Ebola outbreaks in West Africa — measures prompted by the United States, largely, to generate more focused attention and serve as a call for action in situations where global responses had been insufficient and poorly coordinated, which subsequently led to the adoption of resolution 2177 (2014) — the COVID-19 pandemic, the worst crisis since the Second World War, which demands even more urgent attention, has not received the needed attention from the Security Council. That has vitiated the globally coordinated response and worsened the outbreak. As a result, the virus continues to spread through countries, exacerbating the humanitarian situations and overwhelming already failing health-care systems.”
2020-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/663 (2020) · source
“The disease and the response measures have had immediate effects on some of the world’s wealthiest countries, which were among the first to be hit. The pandemic has revealed the inadequacies of the health-care systems in many countries to swiftly manage and contain the spread — as we have seen with shortages of hospital beds and specialized equipment for a crisis of this magnitude, including personal protective equipment for front-line responders.”
2020-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/663 (2020) · source
“Only a few other events can pose such a great threat to human lives and cause such great damage to the global economy. Pandemics do not respect international borders, and therefore have the potential to simultaneously weaken the political, social and economic foundations of many societies. The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has affected at least 10 million people, with over 500,000 reported fatalities, and has spared but a few countries. National responses have been strikingly uncoordinated, even at the level of regional and subregional bodies. The dominant approach among affected countries has been to lock down or restrict non-essential activities and impose sharp limitations on national and international travel.”
2020-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/663 (2020) · source
“At the outset, we wish to commend the Permanent Mission of Germany to the United Nations for taking the initiative to convene this important and timely debate on pandemics and security. We also wish to thank Secretary-General António Guterres, Mr. Peter Maurer, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Ms. Amira Elfadil Mohammed, African Union Commissioner for Social Affairs, and other briefers for their informative briefings. Pandemics are infectious diseases that can kill millions of people and cause trillions of dollars in economic damage in countries, regions and the world, and thus become a threat to international peace and security. Beyond the debilitating, sometimes fatal, consequences for those directly affected, pandemics also have a range of negative social, political and economic consequences.”
2020-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/663 (2020) · source