Joint Communique to Commemorate the 1st Anniversary of the Statement of Support to the Secretary-General’s Appeal for Global Ceasefire by the Co-Initiators
Joint Communique to Commemorate the 1st Anniversary of the Statement of Support to the Secretary-General’s Appeal for Global Ceasefire by the Co-Initiators
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On its 1st anniversary of the Statement of Support to the UN Secretary-General’s appeal for Global Ceasefire, the co-initiators, namely Bangladesh, Ecuador, Egypt, Jamaica, Japan, Malaysia, Oman, Senegal, Slovenia, and Sweden reaffirm their unequivocal support to the Secretary-General’s call for a global ceasefire.
The co-initiators maintain their strong belief that the UN membership must speak with a unified firm voice and send a strong political message, one which reaffirms our collective support for an immediate and effective cessation of hostilities in all corners of the world.
The co-initiators stress the importance of full implementation of Security Council resolution 2532 adopted on 1 July 2020 and resolution 2565 adopted on 26 February 2021, which supported the Secretary-General’s call for a global ceasefire.
The co-initiators also urge all parties to ensure full respect of international humanitarian law and international human rights law and underscore the importance of the protection of civilians, including women, children, as well as healthcare and essential workers in armed conflicts. All parties must also ensure that medical and humanitarian personnel and their facilities, as well as critical civilian infrastructure, are respected and protected. The consequences of the pandemic, with increasing inequalities and socioeconomic challenges, may also increase the risk for conflicts. Efforts to address them must be prioritized.
The co-initiators remain convinced that multilateralism, rule of law, dialogue, and diplomacy for peace are fundamental for the peaceful settlement of disputes, and efforts should be made in conflict prevention and peacebuilding. The co-initiators also stress the importance of addressing the root causes of conflict, as well as inequalities, injustices, and discriminations that have made some of the conflicts and wars protracted, in addition to supporting efforts aiming at achieving recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and building back better.
The co-initiators continue to support the efforts undertaken by the Secretary-General and his Special Representatives and Special Envoys in their efforts to achieve sustainable peace.
The co-initiators call on Member States and relevant parties to redouble their efforts to bring peace in the conflicts in which they are parties or have influence through effective participation of all stakeholders. The co-initiators also remain committed to contributing and working closely with all parties to building and sustaining peace.
22 June 2021
*The Statement of Support was issued on 22 June 2020 and endorsed by 172 UN Member States, NonMember Observer State, and Observer https://bit.ly/3vG6WW1