ASEAN-IPR Discussion Series 2021, Session 4: "COVID-19 & Peace in the Region"

Held on 22 September 2021, this session of the Discussion Series aims to discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has caused disruptions to humanitarian assistance, efforts of conflict resolution, and peacebuilding in ASEAN. The speakers highlighted how the region adapts to the shift in priorities from conventional humanitarian assistance to healthcare support and vaccine distribution while looking at the region's success and shortfalls in pursuing these efforts. Nevertheless, as the pandemic cannot be addressed in isolation, horizontal, localised and cross-sectoral coordination is needed, as well as a vertical approach in the form of neutral and impartial international humanitarian aid in conflict situations.