The month of April marked the second anniversary of Sudan’s brutal civil war and escalation in Gaza, Ukraine and South Sudan. Slovenia supported the call for a briefing on Ukraine, held a press stakeout on behalf of the European members of the UNSC on the need for a ceasefire in Ukraine, and organised a special screening of the film Khartoum alongside the UK. April was also predominantly African, as the Council discussed the Great Lakes, South Sudan, Libya and the mission in West Africa.

Marking the second anniversary of the conflict in Sudan, the Permanent Missions of Slovenia and the United Kingdom organised a special screening of Khartoum, a new documentary on Sudan, which premiered at the most recent Sundance Film Festival. Together, we delivered a united and powerful message: the people of Sudan must not be forgotten.

The Council held its first briefing on the UNSMIL mission in Libya since Ms Hanna Tetteh’s appointment as the new Special Representative. As the political situation in the country remains at a standstill, rapidly deteriorating economic conditions threaten to trigger social unrest, while the civic space is shrinking. Deputy Permanent Representative (DPR) Saša Jurečko expressed Slovenia’s “deep concern about measures against international NGOs and humanitarian organisations operating in Libya” as these actions can seriously undermine humanitarian efforts.

The briefing on the Great Lakes region was the first since the recent escalation in the eastern DRC, which is having a significant impact on regional stability. Members agreed that achieving lasting peace will require more than just a cessation of hostilities – it is crucial to address the root causes of conflict, particularly the illegal exploitation of natural resources. Slovenian DPR Saša Jurečko emphasised that “addressing the underlying drivers of recurring violence and instability has to remain at the centre of peace initiatives“.

In response to escalating violence and political tensions threatening the Peace Agreement in South Sudan, Slovenia called for protection of civilians and humanitarian workers. “There is an urgent need for de-escalation. We call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and engage in dialogue,” underscored the DPR, stressing the importance of upholding international humanitarian and human rights law. Slovenia further reaffirmed its support for UNMISS and its efforts to protect peace and stability in South Sudan.

Addressing the escalating situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Slovenia strongly condemned the killing of civilians and all the attacks on humanitarian, medical and UN personnel following the collapse of the ceasefire. “What we see in Gaza is the erosion of humanity, protection of civilians, respect for international law, and of peace and security,” stated Permanent Representative of Slovenia to the UN Samuel Žbogar. He urged both Israel and Hamas to return to the agreement reached in line with Resolution 2735, concluding with a clear message: “The ceasefire in Gaza must be restored. Hostages must be released, aid must flow and dialogue must prevail.”

The Council returned to the Palestinian question in the last week of April with its regular quarterly open debate, providing an opportunity for the broader membership to express their views on the ongoing war in Gaza, the catastrophic humanitarian situation, the deteriorating situation in the West Bank and broader regional implications. Secretary-General of the Slovenian MFEA Ambassador Barbara Žvokelj delivered a statement on behalf of Slovenia. Among other issues, she stressed the need for more strength to prevent the evaporation of a political solution and to defend the system we have collectively built. On the future of the region, she stated that: “As we look to the future, our first most immediate priority must be a lasting ceasefire followed by reconstruction.”

The regular monthly briefing on Syria marked the first participation of the Syrian interim Minister for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Asaad al-Shaibani. Special Envoy Pedersen emphasised the need for several key steps in the political transition, including progress on the constitutional process. In Slovenia’s view, it will be crucial for the authorities in Syria to ensure the full protection and inclusion of all segments of Syrian society in political life and state institutions. Ambassador Žbogar, speaking on behalf of Slovenia, also underlined the importance of ensuring accountability for crimes committed in Syria and called on the interim authorities to fully cooperate with the existing (international) mechanisms.

Following a Russian missile attack on the densely populated Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih in early April, which claimed the lives of twenty people, the Security Council convened for an emergency meeting, also supported by Slovenia. In light of the continued Russian airstrikes on Ukrainian cities—resulting in civilian casualties and the destruction of critical infrastructure—Deputy Permanent Representative (DPR) Blokar condemned the attack in Kryvyi Rih, warning that it undermines ongoing peace efforts. She called on Russia to accept a full ceasefire leading to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine in line with the UN Charter.

On behalf of the European members of the UNSC—Denmark, France, Greece, the United Kingdom and Slovenia—Ambassador Samuel Žbogar delivered a joint statement to the press on the need for a ceasefire in Ukraine. Following closed consultations, all five European countries united in a clear message: “Ukraine has shown its commitment to peace. Russia must stop delaying and agree to a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire.”

With lack of progress on a ceasefire, as well as continuous attacks on Ukraine by the Russian forces, Slovenia also led a call for another briefing on Ukraine at the end of the month, on behalf of the European members of the UNSC.

Slovenia also participated in this year’s first Council meeting on Kosovo. Ambassador Samuel Žbogar underlined the importance of strengthening the EU-facilitated dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo as a key step towards normalisation of relations. He reiterated his call to avoid any unilateral actions and to work towards bridging divides among ethnically diverse communities. “We expect the concerns of non-majority communities, particularly the Kosovo Serb community, to be adequately addressed,” underlined the Ambassador. Inclusion of women and youth in this process is essential.

The Council also held regular quarterly briefings on Haiti and Colombia. The security, political and humanitarian situation in Haiti continues to deteriorate, the criminal gangs are still gaining new territory in the capital and the judicial system is under serious threat. Slovenia therefore called for the protection of civilians, delivery of humanitarian assistance and took note of the Secretary-General’s letter regarding possible assistance to the Multinational Support Mission in Haiti. Slovenia also supported the continued implementation of the Peace Agreement in Colombia and called for its acceleration, in particular in rural reform and justice. It also emphasised the importance of the protection of civilians, especially women and children.

The final meeting of the month, before the Wrap-up session was a private meeting on Myanmar, where the Council heard the briefings by UN Special Envoy Bishop and ASEAN Special Envoy Tan Sri Othman Hashim.

In the debate on UNSC Resolution 2730—focused on ensuring the safety of UN and humanitarian personnel—Slovenia highlighted that political will to protect aid workers remained insufficient, despite clear legal obligations. To prevent further loss of life, universal respect for international humanitarian law, an immediate end to all attacks, investigation of every incident and accountability of perpetrators are essential.

The final week of the French presidency began with a briefing by UN High Commissioner for Refugees Mr Filippo Grandi. Today, over 120 million people around the world are refugees, forcibly displaced from their homes due to a range of causes – from wars to the impacts of climate change. As Ambassador Žbogar emphasised: “We therefore insist that climate and environmental considerations be woven—systematically and without delay—into every strand of conflict‑prevention, resolution and peace‑building.” Through its development aid, Slovenia is working to address the root causes of migration, from food insecurity and water scarcity to the psychosocial rehabilitation of women and children, among others.

The Security Council also held a private meeting on nonproliferation issues, where the Council was briefed by Director General of the International Agency for Atomic Energy (IAEA), Mr. Rafael Mariano Grossi.

In April, the Security Council adopted a press statement on Myanmar and Sudan, as well as a brief technical roll-over resolution on UNMISS (South Sudan).

The Peacebuilding Architecture Review (PBAR), co-facilitated by Ambassador Samuel Žbogar and Ambassador Osama Abdelkhalek of Egypt, is under way. The two Ambassadors met with UNGA President Philémon Yang and stressed the importance of peacebuilding in light of global challenges. The President of UNGA expressed full support and hope that the formal process of the review would be constructive and have active participation from all Member States.

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