Explanation of Vote by Urška Učakar, Minister Counsellor of the Republic of Slovenia to the United Nations, at the UNSC meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question

Thank you, Mr. President.

We regret the use of the veto which prevented the Security Council to take action today.

This resolution was short and simple, despite the multi-layered catastrophe unfolding in Gaza. Last month, the IPC confirmed that famine has taken parts of Gaza and is threatening to spread across the Strip. In the last few weeks, Israel has started its deadly offensive in Gaza City. This week, the Commission of Inquiry presented its report. Almost two years into this conflict, we are still shocked by new milestones and heartbroken by lives lost. Some tragedies which we can no longer even bear witness to, when Gaza is cut off from the world.  

Mr. President,

We have said before that our delegation does not believe it is our job to be briefers on the facts on the ground. Neither is our job to be judges and provide legal clarity – for that we have existing mechanisms which enjoy Slovenia’s full support.

Our job, however, is to listen to every single devastating briefing in this chamber.  

And our job is to act, in keeping our promise of never again.

It was not intention of the elected members to negotiate long texts. That does not mean we did not negotiate in good faith. Our intention was to say that red lines have been crossed.

That people cannot be starved.

That people cannot be forcibly displaced.

That the destruction of lives, of property and of any chance of a ceasefire cannot continue.

That civilians cannot be held as a bargaining chip.

That people need peace.

That hostages need to be released.

That both Israelis and Palestinians deserve the resumption of a political process for a vision of two-states to become reality.

Mr. President,

Despite the inaction witnessed today and over the past 23 months, it is our firm belief that efforts by members of this Council will not be in vain. They are a measuring stick for an accountability process that will take place. And today, even when our hands are tied, we demonstrated that we stand against the immense suffering experienced by so many in Gaza.

Our efforts today show that the vast majority of this Council, and the international community, believe that real diplomacy must remain one of dialogue and respect for international law, in Gaza and in wars elsewhere.

It is a diplomacy of active choice for peace in the face of new historical responsibilities.

A diplomacy of action against the unending and needless deaths of children, mothers and so many others in Gaza.

And a diplomacy of hope that durable peace is within reach, in spite of the devastating reality before us.

Let me conclude by thanking Denmark for their coordination of the group of elected members on this initiative, and in particular fellow E10 members for their unity, moral clarity and determination. As members entrusted by the General Assembly with this responsibility, we stood united for an end to this catastrophe. And by extension, we hope we have clearly showed that the world stands united against the suffering of the people of Gaza.

Thank you.

Recent Statements