The last month of the year was packed with Council briefings and marked by a series of historic events in Syria, which ended 50 years of Assad’s rule. Slovenia organized an Arria-formula meeting on persons with disabilities in armed conflict, and requested a briefing on the DPRK and closed consultations on Syria. Ambassador Darja Bavdaž Kuret, Special Envoy on WPS, participated in one of the signature events of the US’ December presidency – a briefing on WPS. The Security Council also convened high-level briefings on Sudan and Artificial Intelligence.

Slovenia welcomed the unanimous adoption of a resolution on strengthening the protection of children in armed conflict. The text, which was supported by more than 100 UN member states, enhances the child protection capacities in UN mission transitions or withdrawals.

On 6 December, Slovenia and Guyana convened an Arria meeting on persons with disabilities in armed conflict. The meeting was an opportunity to mark the unanimous adoption of UNSC resolution 2475 five years ago and the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December. The Chair of the meeting, Ambassador Samuel Žbogar, stressed the need to fully implement resolution 2475 and that no person should be left behind in armed conflict.

At the urgent Council’s meeting on the expanding DPRK military engagements, which was also convened by Slovenia, Deputy Permanent Representative (PR) Saša Jurečko expressed concern about the growing military cooperation between the DPRK and Russia. She called on the DPRK to engage in dialogue – a diplomatic solution remains the only way to achieve sustainable peace and denuclearization of the country.

In the discussion on the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, Ambassador Darja Bavdaž Kuret, Special Envoy on WPS, highlighted three key areas in advancing intergenerational leadership: fostering inclusive peace processes, supporting local women-led organizations and addressing sexual and gender-based violence. The Special Envoy stressed the need to recognize the significant contribution of women to peacebuilding and conflict resolution.

Following the lightning offensive in Syria, launched by a coalition containing Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and armed opposition groups, the Security Council held an urgent meeting. Ambassador Žbogar called for an immediate de-escalation. 11 days later, armed rebels seized the capital Damascus and toppled the Assad regime. At the Council’s first open meeting on this matter, Slovenia expressed its full support for the Syrian people. Deputy PR Ondina Blokar Drobič emphasized an inclusive, Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process with the full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of women. She called for unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid and accountability for perpetrators.

As the war in Sudan has raged for over 20 months, exacting a horrific human toll, the Council held a high-level briefing to discuss the way forward in delivering a lasting peace. Slovenia reiterated that there is no military solution to the conflict and renewed its call for peace talks. Deputy PR Blokar Drobič stated that protecting civilians and upholding international humanitarian law remain urgent imperative. The perpetrators of atrocities must be held accountable.

Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine was discussed in three meetings, including in the one on the impact of the war on Ukrainian children. Over the past 1,000 days, their lives have been forever changed and civilian victims have included tens of thousands of children. “Heart-breaking suffering of Ukrainian children has to end, this war must end,” voiced Ambassador Žbogar. There must be a just and lasting peace, in accordance with the UN Charter and those responsible must be brought to justice.

Council members also discussed the situation in Gaza and the West Bank at a regular briefing on the Middle East. Deputy PR Blokar Drobič stressed: “The suffering of the Palestinians must be addressed, the work of UNRWA must be preserved and the occupation must end.” Only a ceasefire will pave the way for peace.

At the Security Council meeting on the implementation of the JCPOA, Slovenia raised concern over the size and unclear nature of Iran’s nuclear program. It called on Iran to cooperate fully with the IAEA and joined the Secretary-General’s call for a diplomatic solution to restoring the JCPOA’s objectives. The peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program must be ensured.

Additionally, the Security Council convened a quarterly meeting on Afghanistan. Deputy PR Blokar Drobič condemned recent decisions to suspend medical education for women, as this will further limit their access to healthcare. She urged the Taliban, as the de facto authorities to reverse this policy and comply with their obligations under international law.

In December, the Security Council unanimously extended the mandates of the UN missions in Syria and the DRC, the Al-Shabaab sanctions regime in Somalia and renewed the mandate of the team monitoring sanctions against the Taliban. In addition, the Council adopted a resolution establishing AUSSOM, the successor mission to ATMIS in Somalia. The resolution is an important step in advancing a durable peace in the country.

Finally, Slovenia welcomed the indefinite extension of the application of the humanitarian exemption to the ISIL & Al Qaida sanctions regime. The unanimously adopted resolution now facilitates humanitarian action also in the areas where ISIL & Al Qaida are present.

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