BS RAWAT
UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Saturday reached out to religious leaders and sought their help in the fight against COVID-19.

"Today, I want to make a special appeal to religious leaders of all faiths to join forces to work for peace around the world and focus on our common battle to defeat COVID-19," the UN chief said in a statement. 

"For Christians, it is the celebration of Easter. Jews are marking Passover. And soon, Muslims will begin the holy month of Ramadan" he stated.

"We have always known these occasions to be moments of community. Of families coming together. Of hugs and handshakes and the gathering of humanity," the UN chief stated.

"As we reflect, let us spare a special thought for heroic health workers on the frontlines battling this awful virus – and for all those working to keep our cities and towns going," he maintained.

"Let us remember the most vulnerable of the vulnerable around the world. Those in war zones and refugee camps and slums and all those places least equipped to fight the virus," Mr  Guterres urged.

He also urged, "Let us renew our faith in one another and draw strength from the good that is gathering in troubled times as communities of diverse faiths and ethical traditions unite to care for one another."

"Together, we can and will defeat this virus – with cooperation, solidarity, and faith in our common humanity" the UN chief said.