Nicosia: Cyprus’ Special Envoy for Multilateralism, Ambassador Andreas Kakouris, emphasized during a UN Security Council open debate on conflict-related food insecurity that hunger resulting from conflict is not a natural disaster but rather a direct consequence of political failures, instability, and a lack of adherence to international humanitarian law.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Ambassador Kakouris referenced resolution 2417, which reaffirms that starvation should never be employed as a method of warfare. Despite this, he noted that numerous conflicts continue to see restrictions on humanitarian access, destruction of crucial infrastructure, and immense risks for those delivering life-saving aid.
Ambassador Kakouris stressed the necessity of ensuring safe, sustained, and unhindered humanitarian access and protecting humanitarian and medical personnel. He emphasized the need for accountability in cases of deliberate aid obstruction or using starvation as a weapon.
He concluded by stating that preve
nting hunger in conflict zones is not just a humanitarian task but a political responsibility. He called on the Council to reaffirm that famine is preventable and that protecting humanitarian workers is crucial for preserving common humanity.