On March 23, 2020, António Guterres addressed the world with a powerful message of unity against a common enemy: COVID-19. Now more than ever before, world leaders are seeing the need to use limited resources to protect their people; not by funding the military and ongoing conflicts, but by investing in healthcare and the well-being of all citizens.
Those in conflict zones are especially suffering – refugees, health professionals, relief workers, women, children, and those with disabilities. We recognized this in our statement as well, in which we called for global solidarity in the face of the virus, a global cease fire, and a redirection of military funding to healthcare and social services.
The IPB stands with António Guterres, the UN, and those who are struggling to deal with the virus around the world, especially those in conflict zones. That is why it is more important than ever to declare a #GlobalCeaseFireNow!
We call on our members, allies, and all individuals around the world to join in this campaign. Declare peace, use the hashtag, write your governments, write an Op-Ed to your local newspaper. It is essential we fight for this ceasefire to protect those most in need of relief in these times of COVID-19.