As COVID-19 Spreads, Global Peacebuilders Call on Governments to Re-Commit to Peace

NEW YORK, NY (September 21, 2020) Over 170 international and domestic peacebuilding organizations have issued an urgent call to action for peace. The statement points out that responses to crisis that increase violence, injustice and exclusion will worsen development losses and increase human suffering. A focus on peace, justice and inclusion must be at the heart of the response to COVID-19.

The statement, released at the opening of the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly, calls on governments and the international community to: mainstream peace in the response to COVID-19; prioritize inclusion in analysis and action; make space for building peace; and reaffirm multilateralism and international norms as a safeguard for the most vulnerable.

The Quaker United Nations Office – an organization that works to promote peace and justice at the United Nations and other global institutions – played a key role in drafting and circulating the statement. The signatories include Global Ministries and other organizations dedicated to peace from throughout the world, including faith-based groups, international development agencies, policy organizations, and others.

See the complete statement and signatories here