Dr. Myria Vassiliadou, E.U. Anti-Trafficking Coordinator, issues a statement as U.N. Security Council unanimously adopts its first Resolution on Trafficking in Persons in Conflict Situations.

Speaking on behalf of the European Union and its member states, Dr. Myria Vassiliadou, E.U. Anti-Trafficking co-ordinator, issued a statement to the Security Council Ministerial Open Debate on Trafficking in Persons in Conflict Situations, at its meeting on the 20^th of December, 2016, at the  U.N. in New York City. The statement calls for commitment to build upon the momentum created by the debate, so as to eradicate human trafficking worldwide. In the statement, the various guises of human trafficking are referenced, including sexual slavery, labour exploitation and organ removal.
In emphasising the critical importance of prevention in the first instance, the statement cites numerous international legal instruments, calling for the deployment of every possible investigative tool and technique in order to prosecute perpetrators. Recognising that political instability and insecurity create ideal environments in which criminal activities can thrive, the statement expresses explicit support for all UN-led efforts to end the current crisis in Syria and Libya. There is a call for strengthening policies and strategies aimed at empowering women and improved understandings of their specific needs and roles in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
The statement acknowledges the power of new technologies to facilitate human trafficking and calls for preventative action to eliminate the use of technology by human traffickers and terrorist groups in conflict areas.
Full statement at  http://eu-un.europa.eu/eu-statement-united-nations-security-council-trafficking-persons-conflict-situations
Prepared by Anne Kelleher, RENATE Communications Person.