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Can the @UN Security Council help hasten the end of the #pandemic?
@CrisisGroup expert @RichardGowan1 on how the UN's 2565 Resolution could facilitate #COVID19 vaccination campaigns in conflict areas.
â https://www.crisisgroup.org/global/fresh-chance-security-council-tackle-covid-19
@CrisisGroup expert @RichardGowan1 on how the UN's 2565 Resolution could facilitate #COVID19 vaccination campaigns in conflict areas.
â https://www.crisisgroup.org/global/fresh-chance-security-council-tackle-covid-19
The #UNâs role in managing the global health crisis has been limited, writes @RichardGowan1.
After @AntonioGuterres called for a global ceasefire to facilitate humanitarian and medical responses to the #coronavirus in March 2020, #UNSC members agreed to endorse the initiative.
After @AntonioGuterres called for a global ceasefire to facilitate humanitarian and medical responses to the #coronavirus in March 2020, #UNSC members agreed to endorse the initiative.
But it took them three months to agree on a compromise text.
By then, it was a dead letter:
Governments and armed groups that had initially responded positively to the Secretary Generalâs call lost interest in it.
By then, it was a dead letter:
Governments and armed groups that had initially responded positively to the Secretary Generalâs call lost interest in it.
The Council cannot go back in time to make up for its initial mishandling of the crisis.
But its Resolution 2565 from February 2021 creates a chance for it to leave a positive mark on the critical vaccine rollout period that lies ahead.
But its Resolution 2565 from February 2021 creates a chance for it to leave a positive mark on the critical vaccine rollout period that lies ahead.
The resolution calls for a global ceasefire and access for aid workers to run #COVID19 vaccination programs in conflict zones.
6 weeks after its adoption, the #UNSC has done little to follow up on the resolution, primarily because there aren't enough vaccines available.
The COVAX Facility, launched by the @WHO to funnel #COVID-19 vaccines to poorer countries, is making slow progress.
The COVAX Facility, launched by the @WHO to funnel #COVID-19 vaccines to poorer countries, is making slow progress.
It's urgent to work out how to put the Security Councilâs new mandate into action.
The new initiative could give Council members - busy with diplomatic feuds over other conflicts - a good cause to rally around, says @RichardGowan1.
The new initiative could give Council members - busy with diplomatic feuds over other conflicts - a good cause to rally around, says @RichardGowan1.
Veterans of 2020âs Council debates over #COVID19 describe Resolution 2565 as a blessed relief, with all members striving for a deal with minimum fuss.
Its focus on vaccination campaigns is rooted in decades of humanitarian action.
Its focus on vaccination campaigns is rooted in decades of humanitarian action.
Both @WHO and @UN agencies know how to roll out vaccines in volatile areas.
This, however, doesn't mean that #COVID19 vaccination drives will be easy â it requires a complex mix of medical logistics, security planning, and humanitarian diplomacy with conflict actors.
This, however, doesn't mean that #COVID19 vaccination drives will be easy â it requires a complex mix of medical logistics, security planning, and humanitarian diplomacy with conflict actors.
The Council can provide support, e.g. by:
â helping ensure #COVAX ramps up distribution
â adjusting peacekeeping mandates to provide assistance to health workers
â issuing calls for particular conflict parties to respect humanitarian pauses + safeguard health workers
â helping ensure #COVAX ramps up distribution
â adjusting peacekeeping mandates to provide assistance to health workers
â issuing calls for particular conflict parties to respect humanitarian pauses + safeguard health workers
Read @RichardGowan1's recommendations on how to best implement the vaccination drives and provide political and material support to people working on the ground. https://www.crisisgroup.org/global/fresh-chance-security-council-tackle-covid-19
