United Nations Security Council passes first COVID-19 resolution

On July 1, 2020, the United Nations Security Council adopted the first COVID-19 related resolution. The resolution demanded an immediate cessation of hostilities all around the world

Highlights

The resolution was drafted by France and Tunisia. The resolution calls for the parties of armed conflicts to pause for at least 90 days to provide safe, unhindered and sustained humanitarian assistance.

The resolution stated that the pause does not apply to cessation of hostilities against Islamic State in Iraq, Al Qaeda and Al Nusra Front. It also does not apply to the operations undertaken against the terrorist groups that were designated as Terrorists by Security Council.

Background

The UNSC was greatly criticized for its silence on COVID-19 pandemic. It was also commented for its failure to adopt even a single resolution on global health. The differences between the two permanent members US and China hindered attempts to adopt resolution.

Month: Current Affairs - July, 2020