Statement by Ondina Blokar Drobič, Deputy Permanent Representative of Slovenia to the United Nations at the General Assembly’s Debate on the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals

Madam President, 

Slovenia aligns itself with the statement of the European Union and wishes to add the following remarks in its national capacity.

We thank the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT) for its thirteenth annual report and judge Gatti Santana for her presentation. The report highlights the significant progress achieved, while reminding us of the important work that remains in the pursuit of justice and accountability.

Slovenia reiterates its continued support for the Mechanism as it operates in its residual phase. While the mandates of the ICTY and the ICTR have formally concluded, the Mechanism continues to play a critical role in ensuring that the principles of justice and accountability endure beyond the formal end of conflict.

Years after the cessation of hostilities, many victims and their families still await justice. This remains a shared responsibility – of the Mechanism, the States concerned, and the United Nations – to ensure that justice is delivered. Our collective goal must remain clear: to guarantee accountability, foster reconciliation and, ultimately, build lasting peace. The work of the Mechanism embodies this mission, and it is incumbent upon all stakeholders to support and enable its effectiveness.

In this regard, Slovenia welcomes the Mechanism’s systematic and pragmatic approach to managing its residual functions. The process of downsizing functions while ensuring the continuation of essential activities is commendable. These residual functions are vital, as they ensure that unfinished matters are addressed, sentences are enforced fairly and victims’ rights are respected.

Furthermore, Slovenia appreciates the Mechanism’s support to national authorities in responding to their requests for assistance. Strengthening national jurisdictions with the Mechanism’s assistance enhances the overall capacity to prosecute the most serious crimes and brings justice closer to the affected communities.

Madam President, 

As the Mechanism approaches the end of its mandate, in line with its temporary nature, we must recognize that certain key activities and functions cannot simply be discontinued. The supervision of sentence enforcement to ensure equal treatment, the continued assistance to national jurisdictions and the careful management and preservation of archives are among the critical functions that must be maintained. These form the foundation of a lasting legacy and a continued guarantee of justice for all.

With regard to their legacy, the invaluable contributions of the ICTY, the ICTR and now the Mechanism must be preserved with the utmost care and respect. Established by the decisions of the UN Security Council, these institutions embody international community’s commitment to justice. Their archives are more than documents; they constitute a historical record of crimes committed and justice delivered.

These archives must remain accessible — to not only researchers and historians, but also everyone in the today’s and future generations and to ongoing or future judicial processes aimed at holding perpetrators accountable for the gravest crimes.

In support of this vital mission, Slovenia has expressed its readiness to serve as a long-term host for the United Nations entity responsible for managing and preserving these historical archives.

Finally, Slovenia welcomes the Mechanism’s engagement in providing input for the two reports of the Secretary-General scheduled by the end of this year. These reports will provide valuable insights into the progress made, challenges faced and the way forward in securing justice and accountability.

In conclusion, Madam President, the Mechanism remains a cornerstone of the international justice architecture. Slovenia is committed to supporting its work, upholding its legacy and ensuring that justice for victims, societies and humanity continues to prevail. Thank you.

Recent Statements