Statement by Permanent Representative of Slovenia to the United Nations Samuel Žbogar at the High-level conference on the situation of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar 

Thank you Mr. President.

Slovenia aligns with the statement of the European Union.

Eight years after the Myanmar military launched its campaign against the Rohingya population, their suffering continues. Slovenia remains deeply concerned about the ongoing armed conflict, the widespread and systematic human rights violations, the deteriorating humanitarian situation, and the rise of organized crime in Myanmar. These factors continue to fuel displacement both within the country and beyond its borders.

The situation in the Rakhine State is particularly alarming. Civilians – including the Rohingya – are caught in the crossfire between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army, facing devastating humanitarian consequences and grave human rights violations and abuses, including forced recruitment.

Slovenia reiterates its strong call for the immediate cessation of all violence, including against the Rohingya and for full respect of international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law. The protection of all civilians is essential to any genuine path towards peace, justice and reconciliation in Myanmar.

Ethnic and religious minorities, particularly the Rohingya, remain among the most vulnerable populations, including those living in refugee camps in Bangladesh. Slovenia commends Bangladesh for its continued generosity in hosting more than one million Rohingya refugees. Its humanitarian efforts – carried out in cooperation with the UN agencies – deserve strong international support and solidarity, especially as humanitarian needs remain overwhelming and funding continues to fall short.

We would like to emphasize that conditions are not met yet for any voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return of refugees and displaced persons.

Slovenia strongly supports ASEAN’s central role in resolving the conflict. We welcome the enhanced cooperation between the UN, ASEAN and other Special Envoys.

We hope this conference serves as a renewed call for strong international commitment – to ensure the protection for the Rohingya and other minorities, to address the root causes of their displacement and to work urgently and collectively towards a durable solution for the Rohingya and all the people of Myanmar.

Thank you.

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