Statement by Representative of Slovenia to the UN Security Council Ambassador Samuel Žbogar at the briefing on the Threats to international peace and security – situation in Ukraine

Thank you very much Madam President.

I would also like to thank Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo for her briefing.

Madam President,

I would like to convey my country’s condolences to the families of the killed in the attack in the occupied city of Lysychansk last Saturday. I also want to convey condolences to the families of all civilians and humanitarian workers that were killed in recent attacks on Ukraine.

We regret this unnecessary loss of life in this unnecessary and unlawful war.

Let me make two points on behalf of my delegation:

First, respect for IHL, its principles, and international human rights law needs to be assured by all sides at all times. It is essential for the protection of civilians and civilian buildings and other infrastructure during armed conflicts.

Call it optimistic or naïve but Slovenia’s aim during its tenure in the Security Council is to build trust. Trust, which is needed to secure action of this Council to end the war in Ukraine. That is why we use single standards and we pay equal attention to the respect for international humanitarian law by all sides.

We have repeatedly called for timely, effective and comprehensive accountability measures, including justice for victims. In this regard, Slovenia strongly supports International Criminal Court.

Second, every civilian death is one too many. Russia has to stop its war of aggression, which lasts for nearly two years, and withdraw its troops from Ukraine. Only this can end the destruction and unnecessary deaths. It is as simple as that.

Thank you.

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