Explanation of vote by Representative of Slovenia to the UN Security Council Ambassador Samuel Žbogar at a UN Security Council meeting on the Reports of the Secretary-General on the Sudan and South Sudan

Thank you very much, Mr. President.

Slovenia welcomes the adoption of the resolution and thanks the United Kingdom for the leadership. The situation in El Fasher requires our united, clear and immediate response. The Council must not remain silent in the face of the human catastrophe unfolding in Sudan and with today’s adoption its calls to the warring parties are again loud and clear. We call for the full implementation of this resolution.

Slovenia voted in favor because we believe that the Council has a duty to voice its concern over the severe conditions in El Fasher and throughout Sudan. In this respect we also strongly condemn the deadly attack in the Wad Al-Noora village.

The humanitarian situation in and around El Fasher besieged by the RSF is beyond alarming. We emphasize the need for immediate, safe and unhindered cross-border and cross-line humanitarian access to El Fasher and all of Darfur. Access to basic necessities such as food, water, healthcare and medical supplies must be ensured. We commend the dedicated work of humanitarians, who continue their efforts in the most challenging circumstances.

Slovenia again calls on all parties to the conflict to prioritize the protection of all civilians and to adhere strictly to their obligations under international humanitarian law and human rights law.

We unequivocally condemn all forms of indiscriminate violence against civilians, particularly the targeting of women and children, ethnically motivated killings, all forms of sexual and gender-based violence, and grave violations against children in armed conflicts. Displacement camps should be a safe haven for civilians, women, children, and the wounded, and under no circumstances targets of further attacks exacerbating the physical and emotional trauma of the victims.

Attacks against civilian infrastructure, providing essential and lifesaving services, must end. We strongly condemn the attacks on humanitarian and medical facilities, such as the recent attacks on South Hospital in El Fasher.

We reiterate our call to all parties to immediately cease all hostilities and to resume peace talks. We continue to support efforts of Mr. Lamamra, and those of the African union, the League of Arab states, IGAD, regional leaders, neighboring countries as well as international partners to bring an end to this crisis.

We also repeat our call to the Member States to refrain from any form of external interference that further fuels the conflict and to comply with the existing arms embargo.

Slovenia remains committed to supporting peace, security and justice in Sudan.

Thank you.

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