Statement by the Republic of Slovenia at the meeting on the Reports of the Secretary-General on the Sudan and South Sudan 

Thank you Mr. President,

Let me begin by wishing you all the best in steering the work of the Council through February. I wish to thank the briefers, SRSG Haysom, Major General Gituai, and Mr. Yakani for their briefings and I also welcome the representative of South Sudan to this meeting.

Mr. President,

Allow me to address three points:

First, we urge the South Sudanese government to utilize fully the extended transitional period in order to strengthen the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement. A robust two-year work-plan should be developed to expedite the constitutional process and ensure preparations for free, fair, credible and inclusive elections in December of 2026, along with transitional security arrangements.

While we note some positive developments, including the adoption of a code of conduct and regulations for election observers, media, party representatives, and campaign activities, as well as progress under Chapter 5 of the Agreement, we remain concerned about the delays in mobilizing necessary resources in the absence of a clear implementation plan. We note efforts under the Tumaini initiative and emphasize that they should be complementary to the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement.

While acknowledging the economic challenges in South Sudan, we nonetheless urge the government to prioritize securing the necessary funding to ensure the timely implementation of the Agreement.

Second, we are deeply concerned about the security and humanitarian situation. Continued intercommunal conflicts and reports of cattle raids, communal violence and criminal activities – despite seasonal flooding reducing mobility – remain troubling. We call on the government to promote peaceful coexistence, enhance preventive measures, ensure community safety, and hold accountable those responsible for human rights violations and abuses.

Humanitarian needs are growing amid the compounding effects of widespread flooding, economic instability, deepening food insecurity, and the severe impact of the conflict in Sudan, with now over a million refugees, returnees, and asylum-seekers crossing into South Sudan. Here we again emphasize the need for immediate and durable ceasefire in Sudan.

The combined pressures of environmental challenges and a massive refugee influx have created an alarming humanitarian crisis. This is further aggravated by the concerning spread of cholera, that make clean water, proper sanitation, and adequate healthcare services urgently needed.

A comprehensive, coordinated support is needed. We emphasize the need for safe and unhindered delivery of aid and strongly condemn attacks on humanitarian workers, their assets and facilities.

Third, we remain deeply troubled by the ongoing sexual and gender-based violence, including conflict-related sexual violence and grave violations against children. We call for full accountability for these violations and for the implementation of measures to protect vulnerable population from further abuse. In this regard we commend UNMISS support for strengthening the capacity of national judicial system in deployment of mobile courts to improve access to justice.

Additionally, reports of extrajudicial killings as a response to criminality and communal violence are deeply concerning. These unlawful actions erode the rule of law and diminish public trust in institutions. We urge the government to investigate these violations and hold perpetrators accountable.

Mr. President, in conclusion,

Let me reaffirm our support for UNMISS and its pivotal role in promoting peace and protecting civilians, its efforts to advance the constitutional process, electoral preparations, humanitarian efforts, as well as its support of the dialogue on civic and political space and enhancing the participation of women and youth in peace and political processes. We equally commend the vital work of the UN Country Team.

We remain concerned by the continued violations of the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), hindering UNMISS’s ability to fulfill its mandate. Slovenia again calls on the government to fully respect and implement the SOFA provisions, enabling UNMISS to operate without any restrictions.

I thank you Mr. President.

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