This archive report was first published on 12 May 2020.
Published on May 12, 2020
Before the Covid-19 pandemic, UN peacekeepers were a thin blue line protecting civilians and supporting peace agreements in conflict zones worldwide.
However, as the virus spreads in countries already weakened by war and poverty, it threatens not only millions of lives but also the fragile peace.
UN peacekeeping missions are working to achieve four objectives: supporting local efforts to combat the virus, keeping personnel safe, ensuring peacekeepers do not spread the virus, and advancing their mandate to support peace and contain conflict.
According to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the pandemic could lead to social unrest, a lapse in state authority, and violence, undermining global efforts to fight the virus.
The statistics of Covid-19 signal a fundamental threat to international peace and security.
Despite the challenges, UN peacekeepers continue to reach out to local communities, protecting civilians and assisting host governments to contain the virus.
They also support political processes and help build government capacity.
Recent examples include helping to free 38 civilians in the DRC and supporting AU soldiers and the government in Somalia to develop Covid-19 preparedness and response plans.
As the UN secretary-general suspended the rotation of all troops and police until June 30, measures will keep peacekeepers on the ground and protect communities and UN colleagues.
As the UN secretary-general said, there should only be one fight in the world today - our shared battle against Covid-19.
Atul Khare, Under-Secretary-General of the UN Department of Operational Support, and Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General of the UN Department of Peace Operations, are working together to address this challenge.
