On this Mother’s Day, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause death and suffering around the globe, I join mothers and other people of faith in urging your administration to support the United Nations Security Council’s resolution for a global ceasefire.

Julia Ward Howe first called for the establishment of Mother’s Day in 1870, as our nation reeled from the devastation of the Civil War, “to promote the alliance of the different nationalities, the amicable settlement of international questions, the great and general interests of peace.”

In our own time, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres called for a ceasefire nearly two months ago, and was quickly joined by Pope Francis and other leaders across the globe, resulting in a number of effective ceasefires by parties to armed conflicts already, and movement toward more. But the Security Council’s resolution would add strength and direction to the Secretary General’s call.

A global ceasefire is “absolutely essential for an effective response to the crisis in areas of conflict,” Mr. Guterres said. “[I]n war-ravaged countries, health systems have collapsed. Health professionals… have often been targeted. Refugees and others displaced by violent conflict are doubly vulnerable.” For the sake of these, the most vulnerable, it is urgent that you act quickly, and join the other members of the Security Council in passing this resolution.

There will surely be a time and a place to critically evaluate the response to the virus by the World Health Organization and other governments, but this is not it. The proposed resolution calls on nations to support and coordinate with “the United Nations system, including specialized health agencies” and others. Indeed, despite the Administration’s critiques of these organizations, we must work together with them and with other nations to improve the global response to the pandemic.

The virus has made clear the need for multilateral cooperation: when one nation or one community is impacted, it impacts us all. An effective response requires joint action and international resolve. True security lies in successful diplomacy and ensuring universal access to medical care, as well as humanitarian aid where necessary. UN Security Council backing of the global ceasefire would promote the necessary conditions to meet these dire needs in conflict zones around the world.