On behalf of USG Lacroix, I thank all Member States for your support to DPO amid a global pandemic and the range of challenges it has accentuated.
COVID-19 continues to spread and almost all peace operations are in countries assessed as Very High or High according to OCHA’s COVID-19 risk index.
COVID-19 has exacerbated the already challenging environments facing peacekeeping. Malicious attacks against our peacekeepers continue, but we remain committed to implementing the Secretary-General’s Action Plan on Improving the Security of Peacekeepers, despite this pandemic.
DPPA and DPO are cooperating closely with partners—including host countries, troop- and police‑contributing Member States—to effectively implement our mandates, support national COVID‑19 responses, and protect our personnel, who are increasingly impacted. As of 23 June, there have been 379 confirmed cases, 126 active cases, and sadly eight related deaths in peace operations. Despite this, the number of confirmed cases among the more than 115,000 UN field personnel remains relatively low. Currently there are 2,596 personnel (uniformed and civilian) in quarantine across PKMs and SPMs.
Our efforts to enhance personnel safety include COVID‑19 guidance, distribution of protective equipment, training on COVID‑19 prevention, reduced community engagement by patrols, suspension of troop rotations, quarantine arrangements, testing capability, and mission medical facilities enhancement.
Guidance for quarantine of uniformed and civilian personnel traveling back to duty stations remains in effect. All missions have adequate supplies of PPE, in addition to increased stockpiles of life support.
DPO and DPPA, in cooperation with DOS as well as Member States including host nations, are now implementing a system‑wide COVID‑19 MEDEVAC and treatment framework around designated regional locations for UN patients.
On 17 June, a letter to all Permanent Missions sought support to increase the medical diagnostic capabilities of the United Nations in the field. We count on your continued support in this regard.
Mandate implementation
Special Political Missions and Peacekeeping Operations continue to find innovative ways to implement their mandates despite COVID‑19 challenges.
As highlighted earlier, multidimensional peacekeeping operations, in coordination with national and local counterparts, have adapted programming to support national COVID‑19 responses while ensuring alignment with mission strategic objectives.
MINUSCA intensified joint border patrols with the CAR armed forces and supported rehabilitation of health facilities such as storage and isolation centers. MONUSCO strengthened logistical and security support to facilitate the DRC Government’s response, and UNMISS continues to support education on COVID‑19 with communities, including through its radio station.
From Headquarters, DPO—including the Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions—has provided immediate assistance to Member States and re‑oriented activities in the field to enable the continued implementation of core mandated tasks in peace operations.
At the outset of the pandemic, the Justice and Corrections Service developed tools and guidance to mitigate the spread of COVID‑19 in prisons, including through decongesting and holding virtual court hearings. This has resulted in the release of low‑risk prisoners in many countries, law enforcement agencies adjusting arrest and prosecution strategies, and increased use of non‑custodial judicial measures.
Guidance was also developed to support national police and other law enforcement institutions in their COVID‑19 response, and comparable efforts are underway across the security sector. DDR and CVR programmes have been adapted, with ex‑combatants producing medical supplies as part of their reinsertion activities benefiting communities. UNMAS, together with UNOPS, is developing COVID‑19‑related guidelines and scenario planning.
While COVID‑19 has impacted all of us—and in many cases exacerbated the already difficult challenges we face in volatile settings—we remain resolute, agile, and flexible in fulfilling our peace and security obligations, including by amplifying the Secretary‑General’s call for global COVID‑19 ceasefires and supporting inclusive national responses.
I will be happy to answer any questions you may have.