Statement by Representative of Slovenia to the UN Security Council Ambassador Samuel Žbogar at the briefing on the maintenance of international peace and security, Resolution 2240 (Migrant Smuggling and Human Trafficking in the Mediterranean / EU Operation IRINI)

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of Slovenia.

Thank you to Director Dhanapala and Director Liljert for today’s briefings on this important issue. We also greatly value the work of both organizations, UNHCR and IOM.

As has already been stated by our EU colleagues and penholders on Resolution 2240, France and Malta, the European Union remains committed to a comprehensive approach to migration, in line with international law and in close coordination with the international community.

We know that a critical element of this is the fight against migrant smuggling and human trafficking, including in the Mediterranean. While trafficking networks continue to exploit those in the most vulnerable situations, our collective efforts are therefore required to effectively combat this challenge, including by disrupting large-scale criminal networks.

It is our clear understanding that the decision not to renew Resolution 2240 will not impact the work of EU Operation IRINI in the Mediterranean. Nor does it influence the EU’s capability to address migrant smuggling and human trafficking in cooperation with our partners.

Operation IRINI’s primary mandate is to uphold the implementation of the UN arms embargo on Libya. The authorisation for this work was renewed by this Council in May.

Operation IRINI’s secondary task – to support the detection and monitoring of human smuggling and trafficking networks in the Mediterranean – and the EU’s work on migration issues more broadly, will continue apace.

Colleagues,

Slovenia remains committed to supporting an inclusive Libyan-led and owned political process. We believe that delivering elections and unifying Libya’s state institutions is the best path to comprehensively addressing the numerous issues facing the country, including those relating to migration.

We acknowledge that insecurity and conflict in Libya’s neighbourhood have exacerbated an already fragile situation. Millions of Sudanese have been forced to flee in recent months, many are seeking refuge in Libya. Greater support, access and coordination are needed to address their humanitarian and protection needs.

In concluding, I reiterate the commitment of Slovenia and the European Union to the fight against human trafficking and smuggling, and to a comprehensive approach to migration. We believe that close cooperation between the UN, its relevant agencies, regional organisations and all affected countries is key when it comes to every aspect of migration: it starts with addressing root causes from political instability, poverty, to food insecurity and climate change, to centring a human-rights based approach, to promoting safe, orderly and regular migration.

The lives of people on the move matter much more than scoring political points.

I thank you.

I resume my function as President of the Council.

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