United Nations, April 11 The UN Peacebuilding Commission voiced concern over the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on conflict-ridden countries.
The COVID-19 pandemic is both a public health emergency and a human crisis. The virus poses a considerable risk to hard-won peacebuilding gains around the world, Xinhua news agency quoted the Commission as saying in a statement on Friday.
The members of the Commission have reiterated their commitment to fully supporting efforts to maintain peace gains in the countries and regions under its consideration, it added.
They welcomed UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' call for an immediate global ceasefire and noted the initial positive reactions to this appeal.
Responses to the pandemic must recognize the importance of leaving no one behind and ensure that the most vulnerable are protected and empowered, said the Commission.
Members of the commission also reiterated the importance of coherent and coordinated action across all pillars of the UN system in support of nationally defined peacebuilding priorities.
They echoed the Secretary-General's call for global solidarity, recognized the continued efforts of the World Health Organization, and stressed the importance of working together and acting fast to address the multi-faceted and multi-sectoral impacts of the pandemic.
( With inputs from IANS )