Data tracks conflict ceasefires in context of COVID-19
An online digital tracking tool was launched on 8 July to examine the consequences of the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak on peace processes and armed conflict across the world.
Researchers assessed the progress of ceasefire agreements alongside live data on infection rates.
UN Security Council Resolution 2532, passed on 1 July, called for a global ceasefire to enable the delivery of humanitarian assistance during COVID-19.
The digital tool was developed by the University of Edinburgh’s Political Settlements Research Programme; the European Forum for international Mediation; the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO); Swiss research institute ETH Zurich; Conciliation Resources; and the United States Institute of Peace. The UN also added input via its Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs.
While there was an initial surge in ceasefire announcements, the tempo has slowed recently and in some cases hostilities resumed. For example, fighting in Yemen has continued, and the conflict in Libya has accelerated.
‘Ceasefires in civil war is a greatly under-researched area,’ said PRIO Director Henrik Urdal. ‘The Covid-19 Ceasefires Tracker allows us to identify and explore mechanisms related to humanitarian ceasefires, and to better understand the dynamic between belligerents.’
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
You may also like
More from Defence Notes
-
![Spain unveils new multi-billion euro defence investment plan]()
Spain unveils new multi-billion euro defence investment plan
The new plan outlined how Spain would reach 2% of its GDP spend on defence by 2025, with €1.9 billion earmarked for new equipment acquisition with several land, naval and air platforms disclosed to be replaced or upgraded.
-
![New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia]()
New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia
This budget will be spent over the next four years and nearly doubles the country’s defence spending as part of GDP to 2%.
-
![UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”]()
UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”
Rachel Reeves announced port upgrades, protected budgets for innovation and investment in novel technologies.
-
![Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees]()
Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees
The Australian Budget was marked by tax cuts and a looming general election which led to little hope that there would be a substantial defence boost even with a big bill for nuclear submarines due.
-
![Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market]()
Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market
The communications company Gilat launched its new Gilat Defense division at the Satellite 2025 expo, with future solutions aimed at US military customers.
