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 Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia
Thank you President.
I would like to thank Special Representative Massieu for his briefing and commend his leadership of the Verification Mission.
I also wish to express my gratitude to Mr. Valbuena and Mr. Tovar for sharing their insights and I welcome Minister Murillo to today’s meeting.
Mr. President,
Let me begin by recognizing the commitment of the parties to implementing the Agreement and addressing the root causes of the conflict in Colombia.
We are encouraged by the recent announcements of the revised Framework Plan for Implementation of the Agreement and the Rapid Response Plan, which, through efficient efforts and adequate funding, have the potential to accelerate the implementation of the Agreement, including comprehensive rural reform.
Nevertheless, halfway through the timeframe, concerns persist regarding the state of implementation.
The Special Jurisdiction for Peace must ensure that, while respecting legal certainty, the goals of delivering justice and contributing to the consolidation of peace in Colombia are met expeditiously for the benefit of victims and survivors.
At the same time, the Government must promptly take all necessary measures to create the conditions for the implementation of restorative sentences soon to be delivered by the SJP.
Mr. President,
As witnessed in recent days, another major challenge remains the lack of security guarantees for former combatants, human rights defenders, and social leaders, compounded by the limited State presence in the areas previously occupied by FARC.
We condemn in the strongest possible terms the killing of civilians in Catatumbo region over the weekend.
We are also concerned about the reports of armed clashes between the Government and the ELN, which, following the expiration of the ceasefire, have resulted in multiple casualties on both sides and have further negatively affected the civilian population in rural areas.
We condemn, in particular, the increase in the recruitment and use of children by armed groups, as well as the use of antipersonnel mines, especially in the vicinity of schools and hospitals.
In this regard, we urge the immediate cessation of violence by all parties, the protection of the civilian population, and safe and unhindered humanitarian access to prevent further displacement of the population.
Finally, Mr. President,
Slovenia welcomes the adoption of Colombia’s first National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security.
We encourage the Government to sustain its political will, allocate sufficient funding to ensure effective implementation, and complement it with the gender provisions of the Agreement and ongoing peace dialogues. This will ensure women’s full, equal, safe, and meaningful participation in all stages of the dialogue, as well as the protection and promotion of their rights.
Sexual and gender-based violence, including against children and adolescents, remains a significant protection concern that must be addressed effectively.
To conclude, let me use the example of the National Action Plan to highlight the resolve of the Colombian people to ultimately achieve peace in the face of adversity.
Indeed, Colombia’s efforts to consolidate peace over the years continue to serve as a valuable source of knowledge and experience in peacebuilding for the international community, including in the area of environmental peacebuilding.
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