Yesterday 2 July, Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu attended the UN Security Council’s open debate on pandemics and security.
“Since the start of the pandemic, Estonia has advocated for the UN Security Council to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on peace and security. This is why we are particularly glad that the UN Security Council has finally decided to support the Secretary-General’s call for a global ceasefire,” Foreign Minister Reinsalu said.
He noted that the resolution does not only have symbolic value, instead it is a text valid under international law. “The Security Council must now regularly monitor compliance and send a clear message to the parties of conflicts,” Reinsalu said. The Secretary-General of the UN will also regularly update the Security Council on the ceasefire.
In his statement at the debate, held in the framework of the German Presidency, Reinsalu noted that the pandemic had clearly highlighted how crucial it was to have a safe and reliable digital infrastructure and cyberspace. Cyberattacks on hospitals have been particularly concerning. “These attacks will not remain unnoticed,” the foreign minister said, highlighting the special event organised under the Estonian Presidency of the UN Security Council on the importance of responsible state behaviour in cyberspace as a notable development.
He also called on countries to join the Declaration on Digital Response to COVID-19 launched by Estonia and Singapore.
The foreign minister expressed concern over the pandemic being used as a pretext to call for the termination of sanctions or to impede access to humanitarian aid. He said it was of particular importance to extend and widen the UN cross-border aid mechanism in July.
Photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmPbZjQr
Full statement: https://un.mfa.ee/statement-by-minister-of-foreign-affairs-mr-urmas-reinsalu-at-high-level-open-debate-of-the-un-security-council-on-pandemics-and-security/
