The month of February marked the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine and the Security Council successfully adopted a resolution on the DRC calling on Rwanda to stop supporting the M23 and immediately withdraw its forces from the territory of the neighboring DRC. Following Slovenia’s Leadership for Peace open debate in September, the Chinese Presidency organized another debate on multilateralism, focusing on Practicing Multilateralism, Reforming and Improving Global Governance.

Three years into Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Security Council passed a US-led resolution urging a swift end to the conflict. Slovenia, along with Denmark, France, Greece and the United Kingdom, representing the united voice of the region, abstained from the vote. Explaining the vote, Ambassador Samuel Žbogar said he supported the objective, but stressed that any peace negotiations need to be conducted within the framework of the principles of the UN Charter, including its principles of sovereign equality and territorial integrity of states.

In response to proposals for the forced relocation of Palestinians from Gaza, Slovenia emphasized that such ideas are unacceptable as they constitute a flagrant violation of international law. Slovenia understands the two-state solution as the only just and viable resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Palestinians have the right to live on their land and determine their own future in line with the principle of self-determination.

The Council held its third emergency meeting to address the ongoing escalation of conflict in the DRC. Ambassador Samuel Žbogar called for an end to hostilities and violence against civilians and urged safe humanitarian access. He stressed the need for all parties to return to dialogue and lift all restrictions on MONUSCO’s freedom of movement. Slovenia welcomed the adoption of a resolution demanding that the M23 cease hostilities and Rwanda withdraw its forces from the DRC’s territory.

Nearly two years of relentless conflict have pushed Sudan to the brink and inflicted immense suffering. At a regular briefing, Council members discussed the latest alarming developments in the country. Ambassador Žbogar repeated Slovenia’s calls for an end to hostilities and an immediate ceasefire. He urged the parties to uphold international humanitarian and international human rights law as well as the Jeddah Commitments. As the scale of needs in Sudan is unprecedented, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to the civilians in need must be ensured.

Slovenia participated also at a regular briefing on Syria where it called for an inclusive political process, in which women fully and safely participate. Only such a process can lead to a sustainable political solution. Ambassador Samuel Žbogar also called for the implementation of UNSC resolution 2254 and issued a reminder about the need to respect Syria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity.

During the open debate on multilateralism, UN Members once again demonstrated their continued belief in and commitment to the world organization. The discussion followed the debate on Leadership for Peace, which Slovenia organized during its Presidency of the Council in September last year. Slovenia called for a revival of the UN and maintenance of its fundamental promise of saving succeeding generations from the scourge of war.

Slovenia regretted the decision of the US to impose sanctions against the International Criminal Court. In the interest of justice, judicial institutions and their personnel must be allowed to act independently. Judicial and legal professionals must therefore be protected from threats and external influence. Slovenia will continue to advocate respect for the rule law, including international law and court decisions.

The Peacebuilding Architecture Review (PBAR), co-facilitated by Ambassador Samuel Žbogar and Ambassador Osama Abdelkhalek of Egypt, is in full swing. The two Ambassadors joined the Geneva Consultations on PBAR, which reinforced the need to bridge humanitarian, development, human rights and peacebuilding efforts. In New York, the two co-facilitators engaged with USG Lacroix and ASG Spehar and discussed the enhanced visibility and impact of the UN peacebuilding efforts.

Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon virtually addressed the 10th International Day of Women and Girls in Science. At the event, she stated that “empowering women and girls in science is not only about promoting gender equality, but also about fostering healthier societies, stronger economies, and a more peaceful world.”

Slovenia strongly supported the issuance of the UNSC press statement on the Houthi detention of UN and humanitarian workers in Yemen. In the statement, the Council condemned the tragic death of a WFP staff member in Houthi detention and demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all remaining detainees. Humanitarians must never be a target and Slovenia will always stand up in their defense.

The Security Council also adopted a resolution extending the mandate of the Panel of Experts assisting its Sanctions Committee on Sudan.

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