Statement on the situation in Yemen
13 February 2025 – Statement by the Republic of Slovenia at the meeting on the situation in the Middle East, Yemen
Statement by the Republic of Slovenia at the meeting on the question concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Thank you, President,
I thank USG Lacroix, Special Representative Keita and ASG Msuya for their updates on the alarming situation in the eastern DRC.
No words could truly capture the depth or gravity of the situation that we are witnessing in North Kivu as we speak. We must not and we cannot remain indifferent or silent to what is happening.
Mr. President,
Slovenia is deeply alarmed by the recent rapid escalation of violence in the eastern DRC. The seizure of vast territories, the displacement of hundreds of thousands of civilians and the blatant violation of international law are direct assault on regional peace and stability.
They undermine the Luanda and Nairobi processes and constitute breach of the ceasefire agreements.
The capture of Minova and Sake, alongside the looming threat of Goma, raises deep alarm and carries catastrophic security and humanitarian consequences.
We categorically condemn the actions of the M23 and demand the immediate cessation of all hostilities. We call on them to immediately stop attacks on Goma and halt any plans to seize any part of entire city. We call for the full and unconditional withdrawal of their forces from the territories that they have seized.
We reiterate our strong call on Rwanda to immediately cease its support to the M23 and fully withdraw its forces from the DRC territory. Any unauthorized military presence in the DRC is a flagrant violation of international law, the UN Charter, and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC.
At the same time, we urge the DRC to cease all cooperation with the FDLR and other armed groups, honoring their commitments under international law and regional arrangement.
We urge Rwanda and the DRC to take decisive actions to de-escalate tensions in their relations, to re-engage in dialogue and place the highest priority on peace, stability, and the well-being of the region.
The consequences of displacement are severe. Concerns over heightened vulnerability of women and children, facing the abhorrent risk of sexual and gender-based violence, are high. We strongly warn against deepening ethnic divisions, including hate speech. We remind all parties of their obligations and call on them to uphold international humanitarian and human rights law, ensuring protection of civilians and refraining from any actions, including the use of heavy fire power, which has devastating effects on densely populated areas, including displacement camps.
Mr. President,
We unequivocally condemn the attacks and threats against MONUSCO and their personnel, as well as SAMIDRC, in the strongest possible terms. We mourn the tragic loss of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and extend our condolences to their families. We stand in solidarity with the wounded, wishing them a swift recovery.
These acts are not just an affront to the those who serve in MONUSCO and may amount to war crimes, but they are also an assault to the very values of the international community and an attack on peace itself. They call for justice and accountability.
We extend our gratitude to all Troop and Police Contributing Countries for their sacrifice and contribution to the UN efforts in the DRC. We stand with them in these difficult times.
Mr. President,
A little over a month ago, all 15 members of this Council raised their hands in unison to renew MONUSCO’s mandate. That vote was not only symbolic. It was a commitment to the women and men peacekeepers in uniform and beyond whose foremost duty is the protection of civilians in the eastern DRC and supporting peace efforts in the eastern DRC. They have put their own lives at risk on a daily basis.
Today, these very women and men, alongside millions of innocent civilians, face mortal threats. We mourn the tragic loss of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and we stand with others in solidarity.
Colleagues,
The international community and this Council cannot afford to remain passive in the face of the crisis. We have clearly heard calls from the field to the Council to send the clear message. It is our responsibility to stand unequivocally behind them.
I thank you.
13 February 2025 – Statement by the Republic of Slovenia at the meeting on the situation in the Middle East, Yemen
12 February 2025 – Statement by Representative of Slovenia to the UN Security Council Ambassador Samuel Žbogar at the meeting on the situation in the Middle East, Syria
11 February 2025 – Statement by Ambassador Samuel Žbogar, Chargé d’ affaires, at the 63rd Session of the Commission for Social Development, Agenda item 3(a) and (b), general discussion