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 situation concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Thank you Mr. President,
We thank Algeria for convening this urgent meeting. We also thank Ms. van de Perre for her briefing.
Mr. President,
Just two days ago, this Council condemned the advances of M23 and demanded that the offensive and advances towards Goma immediately stop. Unfortunately the developments since then have only confirmed our fears.
Mr. President,
The M23’s continued offensive, including the seizure of Goma, with support from Rwanda Defence Forces, is a clear threat to regional stability. We strongly condemn these actions. Slovenia renews its demand for the immediate ceasefire and the unconditional withdrawal of M23 from the occupied territories.
The risk of this conflict escalating into a wider regional crisis must not be underestimated, and recent developments have only amplified these fears. Our message is clear: the violence must stop, and diplomacy must take the lead.
Slovenia continues to call on Rwanda to fully withdraw its forces from the DRC territory in accordance with international law, and to cease its support to M23. We strongly condemn the ongoing violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC. They must be respected.
We also continue to call on the DRC to cease all cooperation with the FDLR and other armed groups.
We are gravely alarmed by the escalating risks in Goma and its surroundings, with the risks of urban fighting and the use of heavy weapons in densely populated areas.
There is no time to waste.
Mr. President,
This is yet another nightmare chapter in this ongoing conflict, forcing hundreds of thousands of civilians to flee – too many of them not for the first time. They are living in fear, they are hungry, and they are exposed to vulnerabilities, which are further intensified by the presence and influx of armed elements.
Restoring and returning to an agreed ceasefire is imperative but immediate measures are also needed to protect civilians, humanitarian and medical facilities, critical infrastructure, including electricity, water, and communication networks.
Safe humanitarian corridors must enable aid delivery and civilian evacuations.
Heavy weapons and troops must be withdrawn from the IDP sites.
We cannot stress this enough – international humanitarian and human rights law must be upheld by all parties at all times.
We call on both countries to exercise maximum restraint. We remain hopeful that strong African engagement through the African Union, the East African Community, and the Luanda process can help turn the tide through dialogue, and we commend these efforts.
Strengthened by this Council’s continued engagement and bilateral efforts, these actions highlight the value of complementing all paths to peace. And Slovenia fully supports them.
We urge Rwanda and the DRC to heed calls for peace – from the region and the wider international community, and especially those fleeing bullets and bombs – to de-escalate and re-engage in a diplomatic process.
Mr. President,
We strongly support MONUSCO and its vital mission to protect civilians and recall the need to ensure their safety and security.
We unequivocally condemn all attacks and threats against MONUSCO personnel, humanitarian and medical workers, who even as we speak, continue to carry out their lifesaving work under fire.
In closing, Mr. President,
Let me express Slovenia’s grave concern over the attacks on diplomatic missions in Kinshasa. Any such actions are entirely unacceptable and a clear violation of international law. We call for the protection of diplomatic missions in strict accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
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