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

Thank you Madam President.

Madam President,

Two weeks ago, in this Chamber, we stated that every time we address the situation in Sudan, we received increasingly disturbing updates. Little did we know that one of the worst was yet to reach us.

Just days ago, UNICEF reported and I quote: “Armed men are raping and sexually assaulting children, including infants as young as one, amid the nationwide conflict rippling across Sudan.” End of quote.

Hardly any of us here has not held a one-year-old in their arms. A tiny human just beginning to explore the world, taking and balancing their first steps. A tiny human beginning to say first words and forming attachments to people and the world around them.

In Sudan some of the children have endured unbearable horrors that would break an adult, let alone a fragile child.

This is beyond inhuman. These horrors go beyond human comprehension. They are unacceptable and they must stop!

Madam President,

If our statements seem to become more emotional – it is because, in the face of these horrors, they are.

If it seems that we are growing more disturbed and appalled by the plight of civilians in Sudan – it is because we are.

If it seems that our frustrations over the persistent absence of tangible progress towards relief for the people of Sudan are intensifying – that’s because they are.

Even wars have rules. Even in wars, rules honor human life.

Since the outbreak of the war, the situation for civilians has been deteriorating to horrifying levels, with conflict-related sexual violence being weaponized, particularly against women and girls.

They have been subjected to rape, gang rape and other forms of sexual violence, forced into sexual slavery, coerced into marriage. Men and boys have not been spared either.

What we are seeing in Sudan is a blatant disregard for norms, values and rules.

Slovenia condemns in the strongest terms all forms of sexual and gender-based violence, including conflict-related sexual violence.

All parties must uphold their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law. We call on SAF and RSF to uphold their commitments from the Jeddah Declaration and protect civilians.

And we call for urgent action to address the unfolding humanitarian and protection crisis in Sudan.

Madam President,

We emphasize the urgent need to strengthen mechanisms for protecting civilians and prevent further atrocities. Providing survivors with comprehensive medical, psychological, and social care is essential for restoring their dignity and fostering resilience.

Accountability is imperative. Conflict-related sexual violence is not only a serious violation of human rights, but constitutes war crime or crime against humanity. Slovenia calls for rigorous and impartial investigations into all violations, and calls for perpetrators to be held accountable.

Madam President,

Slovenia places particular emphasis on the protection and rights of women and girls. Their safety, dignity, and access to critical services must be central to humanitarian and peacebuilding initiatives. We remain unwavering in our commitment to ensuring their active participation in every phase of conflict resolution and post-conflict recovery.

I want to conclude, Madam President, by expressing my deep appreciation to today’s briefers, Mr. Lockyear of MSF and Ms. Russell of UNICEF.

I thank them sincerely not only for sharing their insights today but, more importantly, for the invaluable and lifesaving work that they continue to carry out under the most difficult and dangerous circumstances.

We emphasize the critical need for safety and security of medical and humanitarian personnel as well as full and unhindered humanitarian access to the people in need.

I thank you Madam President.

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