Statement on persons with disabilities in armed conflict
6 December 2024 – Statement by Representative of Slovenia to the UN Security Council Ambassador Samuel Žbogar at the Arria-formula meeting, convened by Slovenia and Guyana
Explanation of vote by the Republic of Slovenia at the meeting on the Reports of the Secretary-General on the Sudan and South Sudan
Thank you President.
Slovenia voted in favor of the resolution. We extend our gratitude to Sierra Leone and to the United Kingdom for the leadership on the draft.
Our position on the alarming and still deteriorating situation in Sudan has been consistent and clear. We have listened intently to the voices raised in this chamber, emphasizing the imperative not to let the people of Sudan suffer in silence. Today’s vote reflects Slovenia’s commitment to addressing these urgent calls.
We firmly believe that this Council bears a responsibility to respond to the Sudan’s people desperate pleas for protection, especially women and children.
We profoundly regret that the veto has been cast. The crisis in Sudan demands not only the unwavering attention of this Council but, more critically, decisive and united action. This is not a matter of choice but of responsibility. While the complexities of the situation are acknowledged, they must not be used as justification for inaction. Rather, they should drive us to act with greater urgency and determination for Sudanese people.
In our earlier statements, we recognized and commended the mediation efforts of regional and international actors. Today, we reiterate our call for this Council to exhibit the same collective resolve.
The relentless violence that Sudanese people, in particular women and girls, are facing every day, the widespread destruction and human suffering across Sudan, compounded by ongoing clashes and, according to the reports, of ethnically targeted violations and abuses is beyond comprehension.
The humanitarian crisis continues to worsen, tragically marked by the world’s most severe acute food insecurity crisis, a declared famine in Zamzam, and fears of famine risks in other regions. This demands a more robust and sustained response.
Multiple reports, including those from the Independent Fact-Finding Mission, detail widespread human rights violations. The horrifying accounts of sexual and gender-based violence, including conflict-related sexual violence, underscore the dire need for accountability.
With limited monitoring mechanisms in place, we fear the true extent of these crimes risks remaining in the shadows. Silence is not an option in the face of such egregious violations.
The atrocities must not go unpunished, and justice must be pursued. Without justice, sustainable peace cannot be achieved. Parties to the conflict must respect international humanitarian and human rights law.
Safe, rapid, and unimpeded access to humanitarian aid is essential across all parts of Sudan. Access to food, water, healthcare, and medical supplies must not only be ensured but also sustained and expanded.
Slovenia remains unwavering in its commitment to supporting the people of Sudan and advancing peace, security, and justice throughout the country.
I thank you.
6 December 2024 – Statement by Representative of Slovenia to the UN Security Council Ambassador Samuel Žbogar at the Arria-formula meeting, convened by Slovenia and Guyana
6 December 2024 – Statement by Representative of Slovenia to the UN Security Council Ambassador Samuel Žbogar at the briefing on the situation concerning Iraq, UNAMI
5 December 2024 – Statement by the Republic of Slovenia at the briefing on the situation in the Middle East, Syria