Statement on the situation in the Great Lakes region
13 October 2025 – Statement by the Republic of Slovenia at the UNSC meeting on the situation in the Great Lakes region
Statement by the Republic of Slovenia at UNSC meeting on the Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia
Thank you Mr. President.
I thank the Special Representative for his briefing and I wish to express my delegation’s appreciation for his dedication and leadership of the Verification Mission in recent years.
I also wish to convey my best wishes to Mr. Ruiz Massieu for his new role as the Head of BINUH.
It is also my pleasure to welcome Vice Minister Jaramillo to this meeting.
Mr. President,
Let me begin by acknowledging the continued political commitment of the signatory parties to the implementation of the Final Peace Agreement and to addressing the root causes of the conflict in Colombia.
We encourage the Colombian Government to use the remainder of the timeframe to prioritize the implementation of the Agreement, including by securing adequate funding, and to advance dialogues with armed groups willing to commit to peace and to the protection of civilians.
In particular, we call on the Government to adopt the measures necessary to create the conditions for the smooth and unimpeded implementation of the restorative sentences to be delivered by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace.
These sentences – some of which are expected imminently – will mark a pivotal step in a model of transitional justice, aiming to ensure accountability for grave crimes and to provide redress for victims and survivors, including those of sexual and gender-based violence and children affected by armed conflict.
Slovenia remains supportive of the SJP and its important work, which goes beyond punitive measures. If successful, it has a potential to serve as a model for peacebuilding efforts elsewhere.
Mr. President,
As evidenced by recent events, the lack of security guarantees in the upcoming electoral process poses a legitimate concern.
We commend party leaders who have shown unity in strongly condemning political violence, and we call for a full investigation to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
We take this opportunity to remind actors across the political spectrum that eliminating violence from politics and promoting inclusive political participation remains central objectives of the Agreement.
To this end, the adoption of measures to prevent violence against women in politics is commendable. However, we reiterate our call on the Government to strengthen women’s full, equal, safe, and meaningful participation in all relevant decision-making processes.
Finally, Mr. President,
We believe that ensuring the security of communities is a vital step towards achieving peace.
Let me underline Slovenia’s utmost concern regarding the toll on civilians caused by fighting between non-state armed groups, as well as the alarming increase in the recruitment and use of children by these groups.
Indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities, former combatants, social leaders, and human rights defenders continue to bear the brunt of insecurity and must receive special protection.
Let me conclude by stressing that international humanitarian law, with the protection of civilians at its core, must be upheld at all times by all actors and actively promoted by the Government in its dialogue with armed groups.
I thank you.
13 October 2025 – Statement by the Republic of Slovenia at the UNSC meeting on the situation in the Great Lakes region
10 October 2025 – Statement by the Republic of Slovenia at the UNSC meeting on the threats to international peace and security
7 October 2025 – Statement by Permanent Representative of Slovenia to the United Nations, Samuel Žbogar, at the UNSC meeting on the cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations in maintaining international peace and security