Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi averred that no peacekeepers from Indonesia had been infected with COVID-19.

"Until now, no Indonesian peacekeeping forces had been infected with COVID-19. However, we remain vigilant and stay abreast of developments on the field," the minister noted during an online press conference from the Jakarta Presidential Palace, Thursday.

Based on the UN Secretariat data, COVID-19 cases were confirmed in 13 countries and territories that have peacekeeping forces (PKO).

Speaking in connection with the data, Foreign Minister Marsudi stated that 64 peacekeeping personnel had contracted COVID-19, with most cases appearing in Mali.

"Of these, 23 have recovered," the minister revealed.

As one of the biggest contributors to the UN peacekeeping force, Indonesia has paid significant attention to the safety and health of troops, especially in the current pandemic.

Indonesia is continuously monitoring the situation in conflict areas, which is exacerbated by the COVID-19 outbreak due to limited health infrastructure, fragile security, challenging economic situations, and humanitarian conditions.

Marsudi pointed to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the implementation of the peacekeeping forces' mandate, including difficulties in connecting with conflicting parties, in order to undertake their peace and mediation efforts.

The outbreak has also limited movements and activities of peacekeeping personnel, as well as humanitarian and logistical access, in addition to posing rotational difficulties on account of the unavailability of transportation and air travel.

"Hence, during meetings of the UN Security Council, Indonesia has always stressed on the importance of the safety, security, and health of peacekeepers," Marsudi pointed out.

To this end, Indonesia has also sponsored the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2518 on the safety and security of peacekeepers. The resolution was passed on March 30, 2020.

The United Nations Security Council
As a non-permanent member of the UNSC, Indonesia also welcomed the UN secretary general's call for a global ceasefire to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance in conflict areas.

Indonesia, along with other members of the Security Council, actively participated in formulating the draft UN Security Council resolution on the requisite steps to overcome COVID-19 challenges in the fields of peace and security.

"Unfortunately, a consensus had yet to be reached on this draft resolution," Marsudi remarked.

Marsudi stated that the longer the UNSC took to reach an agreement on the draft resolution, the greater would be the negative signals sent on the ground, and it could also aggravate the situation in several conflict areas.

"All members of the UN Security Council must concentrate on increasing cooperation to protect people in conflict areas. Indonesia is ready to continue to contribute in negotiating the draft resolution at the UNSC," Marsudi stressed. (ANTARA)