Statement by the Republic of Slovenia at the Briefings by Chairs of subsidiary bodies of the Security Council

Thank you President,

I wish to thank the Committees Chairs for the comprehensive briefings. Their able leadership of the Committees is deeply appreciated.

Mr. President,

Slovenia remains concerned about the escalating threat posed by terrorist groups, particularly ISIL, Al-Qaida, and their affiliates. These groups pose a danger not only in the areas of their direct presence, they also project their threat into broader regions. Their attacks have been increasingly lethal as well.

We remain particularly concerned about the continuous spreading of terrorism in parts of Africa, notably in the Sahel region, where the presence, increasing activity and consolidation of territorial control in already fragile regions contribute to additional instability and suffering. However, solely security-focused approaches to terrorism are insufficient.

For counter-terrorism efforts to be effective and sustainable, they need to be comprehensive, inclusive and must address the underlying socio-economic drivers of terrorism and violent extremism. They must also build community resilience to prevent recruitment, especially of youth, into terrorist groups. In this regard access to education is the best deterrent to recruitment. Comprehensive, whole-of-society, whole-of-government and gender responsive approaches that comply with international law – particularly international humanitarian, refugee and human rights law – should be implemented. At the national level, this begins with respect of the rule of law and human rights, while also providing economic opportunities.

The 1267 ISIL and Al Qaida sanctions regime is a critical tool for the Security Council and the international community to support counter-terrorism and effectively implement the Council’s decisions. We believe it is currently under-utilized, partly due to a lack of awareness on the side of member states regarding the option and process of proposing listings.

We are pleased that the Security Council resolution 2734, while extending the mandates of the Ombudsperson and the Monitoring Team for the next three years, also clarifies that sexual and gender-based violence can be used as a method of terrorism and should be considered as a basis for future listings.

In December, two years after the adoption of the resolution 2664 that established a horizontal humanitarian exemption, Security Council is due to take a decision on its extension for the 1267 Sanctions regime. The positive effects of the resolution on humanitarian operations have been clear; therefore, we strongly support the extension of the exemption.

Mr. President,

Terrorist groups are showing resilience and adaptability. Therefore, the work of the Counter-terrorism Committee in assisting States to implement counter-terrorism measures is imperative.

New and emerging technologies present both new opportunities and challenges, including for counter-terrorism as they are more and more often effectively used by terrorist groups, including for recruitment and financing. Following the adoption of the Abu Dhabi Non-Binding Guiding Principles, the Committee’s work in the remaining areas, identified in the Delhi declaration, should help states address these challenges, while safeguarding the legitimate uses of new technologies.

As a committed member of the 1540 Committee, we reaffirm our unwavering dedication to preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and ensuring these do not fall into the hands of non-state actors.

We recognize the progress made in filling five out of nine positions within the Group of Experts. This has strengthened the Group’s capacity to provide tailored support to the Committee and the member states. We encourage the timely completion of the remaining appointments in order to advance the Committee’s effectiveness in fulfilling its mandate.

We also emphasize the importance of open engagement and continued outreach to ensure that all stakeholders remain informed and actively involved. The open briefing held on 9 and 10 October underscored the Committee’s commitment to transparency, dialogue, and cooperation. Among others, the briefing provided valuable insights both national and international efforts, highlighting our collective progress as well as the challenges we continue to face in implementing Resolution 1540.

Mr. President,

To conclude, no State can counter terrorism alone. Its transnational nature requires a high level of effective international cooperation. In this regard, we are also strongly in favor of breaking the silos by cross-integrating experts from the three committees whenever possible.

I thank you.

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