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.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Companies’ results boom as countries dig deep to buy missiles and air defence systems]()
Companies’ results boom as countries dig deep to buy missiles and air defence systems
Air defence systems are continuing to appear top of countries’ shopping lists but broadly across different capabilities it is a sellers’ market, as demonstrated by backlogs and double-digit percentage point growth.
-
![Details revealed on Germany’s big spending plans]()
Details revealed on Germany’s big spending plans
In May this year, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the government plans to position Germany as “Europe's strongest conventional army”. A new blueprint outlines how this is going to occur through massive investment.
-
![European Council to deliver at “pace and scale” on European defence readiness 2030 roadmap]()
European Council to deliver at “pace and scale” on European defence readiness 2030 roadmap
Two of the concrete projects outlined in the readiness report, the European Air Shield and Space Shield, will aim to be launched by Q2 2026.
-
![Malaysia’s defence budget sets out major procurement goals for 2026]()
Malaysia’s defence budget sets out major procurement goals for 2026
The country has allocated RM21.70 billion for defence spending next year, with some major procurements set to be initiated across the country’s army, navy and air force.
-
![GAO highlights the need for more commercial data and availability improvements]()
GAO highlights the need for more commercial data and availability improvements
The US Government Accountability Office recently released two reports; one into the availability of selected equipment and another looking at how the government gets data and intellectual property rights through contracting.
