A petition launched by a non-governmental organization to support a United Nations appeal for a ceasefire in all conflict areas of the world to better combat the Covid-19 epidemic collected nearly a million signatures as of yesterday, while there is no regression in fighting in these countries.
In his daily meeting with journalists, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric expressed his satisfaction with the initiative taken by Avaaz. "We are very pleased with the number that this petition can attract," he said, stressing the need to "pressure the belligerents."
The petition was posted online on March 30, after the appeal launched by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on March 23. Armed groups or belligerents in some countries have declared that they are ready to stop hostilities, but none of that has been applied.
"Unfortunately, the fighting continues in most of the areas where we are," said Leticia Courtois, the International Committee of the Red Cross at the United Nations.
She added that "the fighting continues and wounded are still arriving at the hospitals we support, for example in southern Sudan," referring to information she received from her organization's teams in combat zones.
She added that a ceasefire throughout the world is "necessary", explaining that "it is important at the same time to point to the urgent need for humanitarian workers to continue their work to the best of their abilities, so that they can influence the situation" which has become more difficult with the spread of the epidemic.
The ICRC employs 20,000 people worldwide, especially in countries experiencing conflict or crisis.
The petition was posted online on March 30, after the appeal by Antonio Guterres.