UNGA adopts resolution calling for 'international cooperation' against COVID-19; US votes against it

The resolution acknowledges the key leadership role of the WHO and the fundamental role of the United Nations system in catalysing the global response to COVID-19 United Nations: The United States was supported only by Israel Friday in a vote against a UN resolution for a “comprehensive and coordinated response” to the COVID-19 pandemic, a text that included recognition of the WHO’s leadership role. The text, called an omnibus resolution because it covers multiple aspects of the pandemic, “acknowledges the key leadership role of WHO and the fundamental role of the United Nations system in catalyzing and coordinating the comprehensive global response to the COVID-19 pandemic.” The United States withdrew from the WHO this spring, accusing the body of mismanaging the coronavirus pandemic and delaying launch of a global alert. The text “calls for intensified international cooperation and solidarity to contain, mitigate and overcome the pandemic and its consequences.” And it supports UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ call in March for a ceasefire between countries in order to better facilitate the fight against the pandemic - a request that has been little followed. The text additionally called for “the urgent removal of unjustified obstacles,” meaning sanctions, in order to create better access to products used in combatting the virus.