The United Nations Security Council has unanimously adopted a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in conflict zones around the world to allow the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine. Resolution 2565 demands that all parties to the conflict comply with international humanitarian law and allow the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine to reach areas of armed conflict, as well as areas where there were war theaters and other complex humanitarian situations. The resolution also acknowledges the need for massive vaccination against the virus responsible for SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19. As the viruses spread, so do the changes.
If the government allows the virus to spread through the population, a form may emerge that cannot stopped with the current vaccine or easily treated in hospital. The proposal, introduced by the United Kingdom and co-sponsored by 112 countries, calls for the development of an international partnership aimed at measuring the flow of vaccine production and distribution efforts. Importantly, just last month, the World Health Organization, which operates the COVX program, which works for fair access to COVX-19 vaccines worldwide, reported that only 10 countries accounted for 75 percent of current vaccine supplies, while 130 countries – two and a half. In the homes of billions of people – not even a single dose.
UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said in a statement after the resolution agreed on February 26, “We are proud to lead the way in securing a speedy and unanimous agreement to repeal today’s UN Security Council resolution, which will help people living in conflict zones to get vaccinated.” “This resolution also builds support for COX, through which the UK is providing more than one billion vaccine doses for the world’s most vulnerable people.”
The World Trade Organization (WTO) is currently discussing waivers on its intellectual property rights to allow developing countries to develop vaccines, increase global production, and move beyond the epidemic. However, a number of high-income countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States, the European Union and a number of organizations, and South Africa and India have rejected the first proposed idea. The WTO has not yet made that decision, but 400 American organizations have called on President Biden to approve the waiver.
Similarly, 115 members of the European Parliament have called on the European Union to do the same. The UN Security Council consists of 15 members. Five of these are permanent: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. The remaining 10 elected for a two-year term from January 1. Each year, five of these replaced. The current temporary members for 2021 are Estonia, India, Ireland, Kenya, Mexico, Niger, Norway, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Tunisia and Vietnam.
