Mr. Matussek (Germany): Germany aligns herself with the statement made by Swe...

Mr. Matussek (Germany): Germany aligns herself with the statement made by Sweden on behalf of the European Union. As a member of the Group of Friends of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000), we attach great importance to the issue of women and peace and security. I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for holding this open debate. Women and children need to be protected from violence. Every day, we bear witness to unspeakable atrocities. This is especially the case in post-conflict situations in which police protection does not exist and judicial systems lie in shatters. Institutions need to be rebuilt, but protection cannot wait until the systems are fully functional. Protection must take place from the very first minute of peacebuilding — for the benefit of the victims but also for the benefit of the whole community, since rape and sexual violence destroy the very components of societies. Thus, sustainable peace cannot be achieved without the protection of the most vulnerable, namely, women and children.