PSC/PR/BR.(CDLXIX) Page 1 PRESS STATEMENT The Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU), at its 469th meeting held on 25 November 2014, reviewed the humanitarian challenges arising from the prevailing conflict and crisis situations in Africa. In this regard, Council took note of the statement made by the Commissioner for Peace and Security, as well as of the briefing provided by the United Nations (UN) Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Ms. Kyung-wha Kang. Council also took note of the statements made by the representatives of South Sudan, as well as by those of China, France, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, as permanent members of the UN Security Council, and the European Union (EU). Council recalled the relevant provisions of the Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council, including Article 7(1p), which mandates it to support and facilitate humanitarian action in situations of armed conflict or major natural disasters. Council further recalled its earlier pronouncements on humanitarian challenges on the continent, including press statements PSC/PR/BR/1(CCCXXVI), PSC/PR/BR.(CCCXCI), PSC/PR/BR.(CDVIII) and th th th th PSC/PR/BR.(CDLXIV) adopted at its 326 , 391 , 408 and 464 meetings held on 26 June 2012, 19 August 2013, 13 December 2013 and 29 October 2014, respectively. Council also recalled the August 2010 Memorandum of Understanding that governs cooperation and collaboration between OCHA and the AU Commission in the areas of early warning, disaster preparedness and response, coordination, and protection of civilians in situations of conflict and natural disaster. Council, while noting with satisfaction the progress made towards the promotion of peace and security on the continent, reiterated its deep concern at the continued prevalence of conflict and violence in different parts of the continent and at their devastating consequences for the affected civilian populations. In this respect, Council expressed deep concern at the humanitarian situations prevailing in the Horn of Africa, namely Sudan, South Sudan and Somalia, where violence and erratic climatic conditions are negatively affecting humanitarian and development indicators. Council also expressed concern at the humanitarian situations prevailing in other parts of the continent, including the Central African Republic (CAR), the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Mali, as well as at the humanitarian disaster caused by the Ebola epidemic in the affected countries in West Africa. Council noted that the prevailing humanitarian challenges in Africa are stretching regional, national and community level coping mechanisms to the limit. Council reiterated its deep appreciation to the neighboring countries that host refugees, and encouraged them to keep their borders open, consistent with humanitarian principles and African solidarity. Council further expressed appreciation to OCHA for its leadership role in fostering international mobilization in support of populations affected by conflicts, violence and natural disasters in Africa, as well as to all the humanitarian agencies and non-governmental organizations providing assistance on the ground, in particularly challenging conditions. Council emphasized the primary responsibility of States in ensuring the protection of civilians, particularly women and children. In this respect, Council urged all concerned countries to take the necessary steps, in line with relevant African and international instruments. Council urged