STATEMENT BY
H.E. SYED MOHAMAD HASRIN AIDID
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA
TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE HIGH-LEVEL OPEN DEBATE OF THE UN SECURITY COUNCIL ON “PANDEMICS AND SECURITY”
NEW YORK, 2 JULY 2020
Mr. President,
Thank you for organizing this much-needed Open Debate, and this opportunity for the wider UN membership to speak on this important topic in the Security Council since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us a valuable lesson: That we are only as strong as our weakest link. That no nation is safe until every nation is safe. Across the globe, our peoples are feeling the effects of the pandemic’s far-reaching consequences on our health systems, economies and day-to-day lives. Of the three pillars of the UN – namely peace and security, development, and human rights – none have been spared. It is only through collective will and effort can we ever hope to overcome this challenge.
3. In the context of peace and security, the pandemic can potentially create or further escalate social unrest and violence. At the same time, the continuation of hostilities would undermine efforts in fighting the pandemic by restricting the ability to deliver humanitarian aid in fragile and conflict-affected situations.
4. Malaysia is also concerned that such security vulnerabilities resulting from the pandemic could be exploited by terrorists to attract new recruits and stage a broader resurgence of acts of terrorism. To make it worse, this could occur at a time when the established tools for maintaining international peace and security, such as mediation, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding are operationally challenged by the COVID-19 situation.
5. Malaysia strongly believes that efforts to relieve human suffering and conflict resolution should go hand in hand in leading efforts to address the pandemic. We must muster all our efforts to save lives and alleviate the social and economic devastation of our people, especially in addressing the plight of vulnerable groups such as women and children that are affected by the hostilities.
Mr. President,
6. Recently, Malaysia initiated the Statement of Support for Global Ceasefire amid the COVID-19 pandemic which garnered the strong endorsement of 172 Member States and Observers. The Statement, which was issued on 22 June 2020, represents a clear and strong political message, reaffirming the moral commitment of the 172 signatories for immediate cessation of hostilities in all corners of the world towards fighting this deadly pandemic, and what Malaysia hopes would pave the way for sustained peace. It also reaffirms the commitment to multilateralism and peaceful settlement of disputes as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. On this note, we are pleased that yesterday the Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2532 on COVID-19, supporting the Secretary General’s appeal for a global ceasefire. Malaysia commends the Security Council for the adoption of the said resolution.
7. In maintaining international peace and security, Malaysia continues to contribute troops for UN peacekeeping missions all around the world through this challenging period. As part of their mandate, our peacekeepers will support national authorities in their response to COVID-19.
8. As a member of the UN Group of Friends of Mediation, Malaysia will continue to promote and advance the use of mediation in the peaceful settlement of disputes, conflict prevention, and resolution including in our region.
9. In fighting this deadly pandemic, Malaysia also continues to advocate for the establishment of a comprehensive, systematic and coordinated global response to the outbreak. As one of the regional hubs for the UN Humanitarian Response Depot (UNHRD) in Asia, we continue to ensure the integrity of the global supply chain and have been facilitating the delivery of humanitarian relief aid to countries and peoples in need.
Mr. President,
10. In closing, allow me to reiterate Malaysia’s ever readiness to working closely with all member states on our shared values in peace and security. Amid this deadly pandemic, we must remain united in our shared humanity and in giving peace a chance.
Thank you.
