COVID-19: Delivering our work on the ground

If only there were no conflicts, we could focus on fighting Covid-19! Alas, the need to continue efforts at resolving conflicts in the OSCE area continues.

The OSCE is the largest security organization in the world. Within our area, there is the on-going crisis in and around Ukraine, as well as several protracted conflicts demanding continued attention. Travel restrictions, social distancing and other measures are affecting mediation and dialogue processes, and to an extent hardening positions. Sadly, participants and mediators have lost the opportunity of informal contacts, which can make a difference in tough negotiations.

In time of a global pandemic there is a particular urgency to support the most vulnerable populations: Covid-19 is a health, social and economic crisis whose effects are likely to have a heavy impact on conflict-affected populations. But how to help, when normal interaction is at a standstill?

I am proud to say that the OSCE, being a nimble and resourceful organization, has managed quite well to adjust. The pandemic risks diverting attention and resources. But it can also stimulate new dynamics. Addressing humanitarian issues across conflict lines can nudge parties toward mutual understanding. Technology helps to keep the dialogue going. The OSCE Conflict Cycle Tool Box is comprehensive and flexible, where States wish to use it.

Our field operations have responded to the immediate needs of their host countries in fighting the crisis, providing PPE, addressing the increase in domestic violence and seeking to support particularly vulnerable groups. They offer support in preparedness planning and in prevention of corruption in the health sector, to mention two examples of medium-term support. Building resilience and addressing the severe economic and social repercussions of Covid-19 will be important. Detecting early warning signals of potential crises and conflicts has gained in importance too.

The OSCE’s three-pronged approach to preventing and resolving conflicts and to managing crises has more relevance than ever. While the resolution of any conflict depends on the political will of the parties themselves, the best option is prevention – by addressing the political and military, economic and environmental, as well as human dimensions, within the frame of the principles and commitments that the 57 participating States have signed on to. At the Conflict Prevention Centre of the OSCE, we are at the service of these aims, working together with the other parts of the Organization, as well as other international partners to help OSCE participating States to overcome the challenges that the Covid-19 crisis poses to managing, resolving and preventing conflicts. Making use of the lessons learned and having eyes open to new opportunities is important.