Statement by Deputy Permanent Representative of Slovenia to the United Nations Saša Jurečko at the briefing on the threats to international peace and security

Thank you, Mr. President,

I wish to thank director Ebo for his briefing.

Mr. President,

Let me make a couple of points on behalf of my delegation:

Firstly, weapons transfers to conflict areas are an important topic for my country and it is important that this Council addresses them in the framework of conflict prevention and with a view of protecting civilians. Inadequately controlled supply of arms to parties to armed conflict has the potential to facilitate violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law. At the same time, it can hamper the delivery of life-saving humanitarian aid.

However, it strikes us that we are approaching the discussions on weapons transfers pertaining to the war on Ukraine from the wrong end. Weapons transfers to Ukraine are not happening in a vacuum, they support legitimate self-defensive efforts of a sovereign country.

Secondly, Slovenia rejects aggression in absolute terms. We will not stand idly by while a whole sovereign country is being reduced to rubble by its larger neighbour; while civilians are being killed, maimed and arbitrarily detained; and while ballistic missiles and drones are hitting children’s hospitals and critical energy infrastructure.

Mr. President,

We deplore any attempts at undermining the right to self-defence. Every country has a right to defend itself in line with Article 51 of the UN Charter and they also have a right to procure the means to do so in line with international law. Slovenia will do its part and will keep supporting Ukraine until there is an aggressor on its soil.

I thank you, Mr. President.

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