Joint Statement
The IPU is the global organization of national parliaments and empowers parliamentarians to promote peace, democracy and sustainable development. Working together within this institution, we strongly support the UN Secretary-General’s appeal for an immediate global ceasefire in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Coronavirus is a common enemy of all people in the world, regardless of ethnicity, nationality, faction or faith. Now, more than ever, we have to protect the most vulnerable people in our societies like women and children, the elderly, people with disabilities, marginalized and displaced people. There should be only one fight in our world today: the shared one against COVID-19. This battle requires global unity, solidarity and cooperation. It is necessary to put health and the fight against the pandemic ahead and on the top of every country’s agenda. We have to end war and terrorism and fight the disease together.
Peace is crucial to secure our health systems, humanitarian assistance and to minimize the economic devastation around the world. Furthermore, terrorist groups should not be allowed to take advantage of this situation. We have to prevent the use of the coronavirus pandemic as a terror tool, utilized by extremist groups. That is why, we urge all warring parties to pull back from hostilities, comply fully with International Humanitarian Law and open a precious window for diplomacy. Now it is time for international solidarity to bring hope to places among the most vulnerable. Therefore, countries should not only live in peace, but also cooperate and help each other to overcome this global pandemic. In this context it is of particular importance to take care of victims of this crisis and provide appropriate support for them.
We are re-calling an immediate global ceasefire in all concerns of the world.
Stop the fighting worldwide and focus on global health! Everywhere. Now.
Gabriela Cuevas,
IPU President
José Ignacio Echániz,
President of the IPU Committee on Peace and International Security
Reinhold Lopatka,
President of the IPU HLAG on Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism
See also Parliaments in a time of pandemic.
