Pope Francis welcomed the adoption of UN security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire for the duration of the pandemic and other measures to combat coronavirus. With the corresponding statement, the Pontiff spoke in the traditional Sunday sermon at St. Peter’s square.
"this week, the UN security Council approved a resolution which envisages a number of measures to overcome the consequences of the pandemic, especially in conflict zones. It is imperative the demand for an immediate and global ceasefire that will allow peace and security to provide humanitarian assistance. I hope that this decision will be strictly adhered to for the benefit of all the afflicted", – said the Pontiff.
He also expressed hope that the security Council resolution will be "the first bold step for the future of the world".
The UN Security Council on 1 July voted for a resolution calling for a ceasefire for the duration of the pandemic and other measures to combat coronavirus. The main purpose of the document was the support voiced in March, the Secretary-General of the UN "to a General and immediate ceasefire in all conflicts under consideration" of the security Council. António Guterres has initiated widespread cease-fire on March 23. Draft resolution in support of proposed by France and Tunisia, was pending at the UN security Council in April. According to diplomats, major differences arose between the delegations of the United States and China. In the end, Washington’s insistence from the text disappeared mention of the role of the world health organization (who) in the fight against coronavirus. It is also not the name of the country of origin of the infection.
At the same time, the document States that the humanitarian pause does not apply to military operations against "Islamic state" (a terrorist group banned in Russia), "al Qaeda" (banned in Russia) and other individuals, groups and organizations associated with terrorist groups recognized as such by the UNSC.
Also, according to the resolution, the UN peacekeeping mission be mandated to help countries take action to limit the spread of the disease. In particular, we are talking about "humanitarian access, including to internally displaced persons and refugee camps, as well as medical evacuations".
