Statement by Špela Košir, Deputy Political Coordinator of Slovenia to the United Nations, at the Peacebuilding Commission Ambassadorial-level meeting on Country-Specific Configuration on the Central African Republic

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the briefers for their valuable interventions today.

With MINUSCA’s mandate up for renewal in one month and pivotal local elections only three months away, Slovenia welcomes the decision of the Central African Republic to brief the Peacebuilding Commission on both the progress achieved and the challenges ahead. In this regard, allow me to provide some remarks on the following two points.

The quest to end impunity in the Central African Republic is key to achieving long-term peace and security. Slovenia strongly supports all activities aimed at bringing perpetrators of serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law to justice. At the centre of these efforts stands also the Special Criminal Court, an innovative and cost-effective model that delivers justice to victims while also contributing to the progressive strengthening of the national judiciary. Its successes are grounded not only in dedication of its national and international staff, but also in close cooperation with national authorities and the steadfast support from the international community.

However, Slovenia remains concerned about the Court’s unsustainable financial and staffing situation. We therefore encourage further mobilization of the resources required to ensure its continued operation. A suspension of its work would seriously undermine the security situation in the country and risk reversing years of progress in upholding accountability for the most serious crimes. Moreover, It would delay justice for hundreds of victims of the violence that has afflicted the Central African Republic for far too long. The international community must provide the necessary support to Central African Republic’s efforts to avoid such unfortunate scenario.

Secondly, we congratulate the Central African Republic on the organization of the Casablanca Investment Roundtable. As Secretary-General Guterres stated during the Security Council’s open debate on poverty, underdevelopment and conflict this June, peace is built when people have hope, opportunities, and a real future in their hands. Full implementation of the National Development Plan presents an opportunity to break the cycle of conflict and to build a peaceful future for all people of the Central African Republic.

Mr. Chair,

As a member of both the Peacebuilding Commission and the Security Council, Slovenia will continue to support the Central African Republic on its path towards progress, peace and development.

I thank you.

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