UNGA adopts resolution calling for global solidarity, cooperation to fight COVID-19

United Nations General Assembly has unanimously adopted a resolution, co-sponsored by 188 nations including India, on COVID-19, calling for intensified international cooperation to defeat pandemic that is causing “severe disruption to societies and ecomies.”

resolution titled ‘Global solidarity to fight coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)’ was first such document on global pandemic to be adopted by world organization.

UN Security Council is yet to discuss coronavirus outbreak, even as total number of coronavirus cases across world crossed one million.

resolution said 193-member General Assembly tes “with great concern” threat to human health, safety and well-being caused by coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, which continues to spread globally.

It recognizes "unprecedented effects of pandemic, including severe disruption to societies and ecomies, as well as to global travel and commerce, and devastating impact on livelihood of people.”

resolution called for “intensified international cooperation to contain, mitigate and defeat pandemic, including by exchanging information, scientific kwledge and best practices and by applying relevant guidelines recommended by World Health Organization.”

Recognizing that COVID-19 pandemic requires a global response based on unity, solidarity and renewed multilateral cooperation, resolution said General Assembly “reaffirms its commitment to international cooperation and multilateralism and its strong support for central role of United Nations system in global response to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.”

It also emphasized need for full respect for human rights, and stressed that re is “ place for any form of discrimination, racism and xephobia in response to pandemic.”

resolution was sponsored by Ghana, Indonesia, Liechtenstein, rway, Singapore and Switzerland.

Since General Assembly is t holding meetings due to pandemic, resolution was adopted under a silence procedure.

draft resolution was under silence procedure until April 2 at 6pm. If re were objections to resolution within specified time period from member states, President of General Assembly circulates a letter confirming adoption.