During its seventh month on the UN Security Council, Slovenia, together with Guyana, the Republic of Korea and Sierra Leone, organized an Arria-formula meeting on environmental challenges and peace. In addition, the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Tanja Fajon, presented the initiative of shared commitments on UNRWA, launched by Slovenia, Jordan and Kuwait and supported by more than 120 countries.

The three countries proposed the initiative on 22 May 2024 on behalf of 16 UN Member States and formally launched it on the margins of the UNRWA Pledging Conference at UN Headquarters on 12 July 2024. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini also participated in the Conference.

To date, more than 120 Member States have signed and endorsed the shared commitments to support the Agency’s work. As UNRWA faces systematic attacks and unprecedented political, operational and financial pressures, the necessary support and funding are crucial. “UNRWA is more than an agency that helps Palestine refugees survive. It has created a better future for many Palestinians and has been a lifeline for generations of Palestine refugees in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria,” said Foreign Minister Fajon at the UNRWA Pledging Conference. Slovenia pledged an additional financial contribution of one million euros to UNRWA, “bringing the total amount of aid to thirty times more than its average contribution.” Slovenia continues to do its utmost to help protect civilians in Gaza.

In July, under the Russian Presidency, Slovenia, Guyana, the Republic of Korea and Sierra Leone hosted a discussion on how solving environmental challenges can be an opportunity for conflict prevention and peace. At the Arria-formula meeting entitled “Stepping up Preventive Action: From Environmental Challenges to Opportunities for Peace”, Ambassador Samuel Žbogar argued that preventing conflicts is easier and less costly than resolving them; that natural resource management can be an entry point for dialogue; and that environmental challenges are not gender-neutral.

He stressed that “women are most affected by climate change and environmental degradation, but least consulted. Enabling women’s full, equal, meaningful and safe participation in policy and decision-making processes strengthens prevention efforts.” All three of the briefers were women, who presented on the impact of the planetary crisis on international peace and security. More than 40 UN Member States participated in the meeting.

In the open debate on multilateral cooperation, Slovenia stressed that the problem is not the multilateral system with the UN at its core. The real problem is that the international order based on the power of rules is being displaced by the rules of power. The members of the Council do not have to agree on everything, but they do have to share a foundation for effective multilateralism. Slovenia believes that this foundation must be respect for international law. Ambassador Žbogar stressed that “we are not experiencing a crisis of multilateralism, but a crisis of political will. The world is in a crisis of trust.”

The Security Council also held two briefings on the humanitarian situation in Gaza. As the suffering of civilians continues to increase, Slovenia called for an Olympic truce in Gaza and for Israel and Hamas to finalise a ceasefire deal. “If, after this grace period, there is still no ceasefire deal, we should take further measures to bring Hamas and Israel into compliance,” Ambassador Žbogar said.

With a view to ending the war in Gaza, the UN Security Council has already adopted four resolutions, established a mechanism for humanitarian aid and called several times for a ceasefire and the release of hostages. Slovenia is ready to continue to engage, make proposals and put pressure on those with influence.

On the war in Ukraine, the Security Council held an emergency meeting following the missile attack on the largest children’s hospital in Ukraine. Slovenia stressed that nothing could justify systematic attacks on medical facilities. “The killing and maiming of children and attacks on hospitals are grave violations against children in armed conflicts,” stressed Ambassador Žbogar, reiterating his call for respect for international humanitarian law.

In an effort to prevent a region-wide escalation, Security Council members met for an emergency meeting following the Houthis’ drone attack on Tel Aviv on 19 July and Israel’s retaliation against targets in Yemen on 20 July. Slovenia expressed its concern and stressed the need for immediate de-escalation. “We call on parties to de-escalate and refrain from further retaliatory actions,” said Deputy Permanent Representative Ondina Blokar Drobič in the Council’s Chamber. On the situation in Yemen, Slovenia issued a stern warning to the Houthis: “You cannot commit to protecting the well-being and dignity of the Palestinians suffering in Gaza while denying the same rights to your own people in Yemen.”

Turning to the situation in Africa, Council members discussed the grim realities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), West Africa and the Sahel. Slovenia is concerned about the continuing threat of terrorism in West Africa, which particularly affect women and children. Regarding the conflict in eastern DRC, Ambassador Žbogar welcomed the revival of regional processes and the humanitarian ceasefire. He called on all States to stop supporting armed groups and to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC.

In the debate on the cooperation with regional and sub-regional organisations on 19 July, Slovenia underlined the crucial role played by regional organisations in conflict prevention, the promotion of peace and the peaceful settlement of regional or local disputes. In doing so, Slovenia called on Security Council members to fully respect international law and the UN Charter.

Finally, at the Council meeting on Haiti, Slovenia welcomed the milestones of the recent transitional government. As gang violence, humanitarian struggles and human rights violations continue, Slovenia reiterated its call for unhindered and safe humanitarian access and improved security.

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