We welcome WHO’s recognition of social connection as a key entry point to address mental health and look forward to the global agenda from the Commission on Social Connection. We support the community-driven approach, which is both impactful and sustainable. However, mental health cannot be addressed in isolation. It must be understood in the context of conflict, displacement, and economic crisis, especially in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Africa where ongoing war impacts entire populations. Border control measures are increasingly restrictive with the purpose of preventing migration. For example, EU migration policy has been criticised for its severe mental health implications on migrants arriving at the borders. We call on WHO to stand for peace and link mental health to peacebuilding.