In November, under the UK presidency of the Security Council, Slovenia called for two briefings – on the launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile by the DPRK and on the risk of imminent famine in northern Gaza. State Secretary of the Foreign Ministry Marko Štucin participated in high-level meetings on Gaza and Ukraine, urging decisive action by the Council. When voting on a humanitarian resolution on Sudan and Gaza ceasefire resolution, two vetoes have been cast leaving millions of civilians at continued risk. Slovenia deeply regrets both Russian and US veto.

With regard to Gaza ceasefire resolution, put forward by the Council’s elected members (E10), including Slovenia, Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon underscored the lack of unity among Council members. “Since the start of the war, Slovenia has been calling for a strong, united voice from the Council to ensure a ceasefire, release of hostages and unhindered access of humanitarian aid,” she emphasized from the capital after the vote. The Council has once again failed to play an effective role in ending the 13-month conflict. Nevertheless, Slovenia will continue to support further steps to peace and remains committed to the two-state solution.

The E10 resolution came as a follow up to the Slovenian Prime Minister’s plea for “a new humanitarian resolution on Palestine” during Slovenia’s Presidency of the Council in September, given his strong concern over the dire situation on the ground.

Slovenia expressed deep regret over Russian veto of a resolution on Sudan, which called for a comprehensive, nationwide ceasefire and delivery of humanitarian aid to millions in desperate need. As stressed by Deputy Permanent Representative Ondina Blokar Drobič, Slovenia’s position on the situation has been consistent and clear. “The Council cannot remain silent in the face of such violence and suffering of Sudanese people, particularly women and children”, she said. Given Russia blocked the Security Council action, civilians in Sudan continue to bear the brunt of the 19-month conflict.

On the eve before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine reached the 1000-day mark, State Secretary Marko Štucin participated in a high-level meeting on Ukraine. The State Secretary voiced his concern over inaction of the Security Council and called for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, as well as accountability for flagrant violations of international law.

In response to the DPRK’s launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile, Slovenia was among Council members that called for a briefing and condemned this clear threat to international peace and security. “This is yet another blatant violation of multiple Security Council resolutions that are binding and must be implemented,” stressed Ambassador Samuel Žbogar, emphasizing the DPRK’s denuclearization is imperative. Only through dialogue and diplomacy, we can achieve a lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula.

After IPC Famine Review Committee issued an alert on imminent risk of famine for parts of northern Gaza, Slovenia called for the briefing and underscored that both hunger and catastrophic circumstances in the North of Gaza were illegal, man-made and hence preventable. 

Discussing the possibilities of transforming the MSS mission in Haiti, Deputy Permanent Representative stressed that UN peacekeeping operation could be an option assessed. “Amidst this process, bringing stability and security to Haitians must be our priority,” she concluded. 

Slovenia repeated its steadfast commitment to supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU perspective at the regular meeting on the situation in the country. It urged for engagement in critical reforms. Unanimous extension of the EUFOR-Althea mission by the Security Council underlines its joint commitment to peace and stability in BiH.

On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, Slovenia spoke up that elimination of violence against women and girls was a fight for equality and humanity. The world must not allow this violence to go unchallenged and fight gender-based violence.

The Security Council unanimously renewed the Yemen sanctions regime and MINUSCA operation in the Central African Republic. The Council also approved the renewal of UNISFA’s mandate in Abyei.

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