Statement made by the European Union at the Security Council Open Debate on February 15, 2016

In his statement, Mr. Ioannis Vrailas highlighted the importance of the SC's work in the advancement of human rights as a critical element of advancing peace and security and preventing conflict and atrocities.He added: "from consideration of country situations to taking forward the women, peace and security agenda, such efforts should continue and intensify." Highlighting the horrific ooutsomes of the conflict, Mr. Vrailas mentioned his condemnation of the use of starvation as method of warfare, which particularly affects the weakest and most vulnerable, in particular women, children, older persons and persons with disabilities.