Council’s work in August was dictated by pressing threats to international peace and security – from the devastating humanitarian situation in Gaza to the escalation in eastern DRC and Haiti. The Council also debated the annual report on conflict-related sexual violence, during which Slovenian Ambassador-at-Large for Women, Peace and Security, Darja Bavdaž Kuret, addressed the Council. Slovenia and its partners requested emergency meetings on Gaza and Ukraine.

After the Israeli cabinet announced the plan to expand its military campaign and take control of Gaza, Slovenia, together with almost all members of the Security Council, called for an emergency meeting. “This is a plan of horror and destruction, a new low that Slovenia utterly rejects,” Ambassador Samuel Žbogar told the Council members.

Ahead of the meeting, Ambassador Žbogar delivered a joint statement on behalf of the European members on the Council – Denmark, France, Greece, Slovenia, and the United Kingdom. They condemned Israel’s expansion of military operations, warning that it would further endanger the lives of civilians in Gaza, including the remaining hostages, and deepen an already catastrophic humanitarian crisis.

Following the 22 August report by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) confirming famine in Gaza, 14 Council members expressed their profound alarm in a joint statement delivered by Slovenia and Guyana as the UNSC informal co-focal points on conflict and hunger. The 14 members of the Council (without the US as the sole exception) stressed that the humanitarian emergency must be addressed without delay and that Israel must reverse course. As underlined in the statement: “Famine in Gaza must be stopped immediately.”

Meanwhile, as the war in Ukraine continues to escalate – putting 2025 at risk of becoming the deadliest year of the war – Slovenia and its partners called for two Council briefings. Ambassador Žbogar strongly condemned the attacks on Ukrainian cities and urged an immediate ceasefire. “We need a decisive step to stop the bloodshed and protect civilians,” he added. Relentless missile and drone strikes by Russia have put a record number of civilians under fire, causing tragic and ongoing loss of innocent lives.

Ambassador-at-Large for Women, Peace and Security, Darja Bavdaž Kuret, participated in the annual open debate on conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV). She reminded the 15-member body that CRSV is a man-made atrocity and therefore entirely preventable. She firmly condemned the use of sexual violence as a tactic of war, torture, terror, and political repression, emphasizing that a just and lasting peace is possible only through the full realization of women’s rights and gender equality, accountability for perpetrators, and support for all women on the frontlines.

Children in Haiti continue to endure unimaginable suffering amid brutal gang violence. Many are deprived of education, recruited, killed, maimed, and – in particularly girls – subjected to sexual violence, including gang rape. Deputy Permanent Representative (DPR) Ondina Blokar Drobič strongly condemned these grave violations and abuses against children and called for the restoration of security. The establishment of a strong UN Support Office, adequate funding, and accountability are crucial to help turn hardship into hope.

Responding to the recent widespread killing of civilians in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the Security Council convened an emergency briefing. “Slovenia is appalled by the brutality of these assaults – killings, abductions, sexual and gender-based violence, looting, and the deliberate destruction of livelihoods,” stated the DPR. She condemned the atrocities committed by armed groups and stressed that there can be no lasting peace without justice and full respect for human rights.

Addressing the situation in West Africa and the Sahel, where the humanitarian conditions and security challenges are mounting, Slovenia placed a strong emphasis on the vital role of women. DPR Blokar Drobič highlighted that women’s active engagement within their communities can serve as a powerful counterforce to terrorist recruitment strategies. She also called for stronger support for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.

At a regular briefing on Yemen, Slovenia and Guyana, in their capacity as the UNSC informal co-focal points on conflict and hunger, delivered a joint statement underscoring the severity of the crisis. Almost half of Yemen’s population – nearly 17.1 million people – faces acute food insecurity, yet agencies are forced to scale back their food assistance due to funding shortfalls. In this context, new approaches are essential, as humanitarian workers must be able to reach those in need.

Evolving maritime threats and collective responses to them were the focus of Panama’s signature event on maritime security during its Council’s presidency. As a maritime nation, Slovenia underscored the importance of safe and stable sea-lanes and of countering organized crime. Maritime security must go hand in hand with the protection of oceans from pollution and advancing sustainable development.

In August, the UN Security Council adopted a presidential statement on Syria, issued press statements on Sudan and the situation in the DRC, and extended the mandate of the UNIFIL mission in Lebanon. Slovenia welcomes this renewal. UNIFIL must be able to fully implement its mandate until an eventual drawdown, which must take place in an orderly and safe manner.

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