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 Slovenia at an open debate on maintenance of international peace and security, The role of women and young people
Thank you Madam President,
I wish to join others in welcoming you to the Presidency seat in the Council today. I also wish to thank Mozambique for organizing this meeting as well as to all the briefers for their insightful briefings.
Madam President,
Conflicts, no matter where they occur, affect all civilians and youth are no exception. Quite the opposite, they are one of the most vulnerable groups. Conflict disrupts the stability and support systems that young people need in their path to becoming responsible adults. In particular, conflicts deprive them of family ties and education and limit their access to healthcare, gainful employment and social services. These challenges leave a lasting impact on their development and future prospects, and profoundly influence their life course.
The experiences of youth in conflict are often influenced by their gender. Age and gender inequalities tend to worsen in such situations, making them particularly challenging and extremely dangerous for young women. While they are often primarily perceived as survivors of various forms of violence, they are so much more. They play roles in conflict and post-conflict situations, even as their formal role in many societies remains limited and marginalized.
This understanding must be taken into account in conflict resolution and peacebuilding and I would like to underline couple of points:
First, it is crucial to ensure the effective and meaningful participation of young persons in all their diversity, across all processes and at all levels. We should never forget that young people are the ones who will live in the world shaped by the decisions we take today. We therefore bear immense responsibility towards young people. Their active and meaningful involvement is essential for strengthening conflict prevention and building long-term resilience of the entire societies.
Young women in particular can play an important role when they actively engage in conflict prevention and resolution. We call for more opportunities to be given to them. This can be enhanced by supporting their full, equal, meaningful and safe participation, including by leveraging more access to funding. Partnerships with international and regional financial institutions, as well as their inclusion in conflict resolution, peacebuilding and sustainable development, should be strengthened.
Second, young people continue undergoing rapid physical and psychosocial changes, which are further complicated by the harsh realities of fragile conflict-affected contexts. Again, this is especially challenging for young women, who are at the higher risk of sexual and gender-based violence, including rape and forced marriage. We call for a survivor-centered response to such violence, ensuring access to sexual and reproductive health services, which must include access to emergency contraception, timely abortion care and psychosocial support.
Third, conflict not only prevents young people from economic, social and cultural life, but also deprives entire generations of access to education, vocational training and professional development.
As too many times after the conflict societies victimize young women once again by exclusion from social, economic and political life, they are much more likely not to continue pursuing educational opportunities after the conflict ends due to discrimination rooted in harmful practices and patriarchal norms. This is not only a personal, but a societal loss with decrease in economic growth, health, and social capital.
Prioritizing educational and vocational opportunities with a gender perspective is essential, as these enable young people to rebuild their lives and reclaim their roles in post-conflict societies. It is due time we grant them opportunities to actively engage in the professional areas of interest and to pursue the life that they want for themselves, their families and their communities.
Madam President,
Young people are fantastic in mobilizing for various causes all around the world. Young women are often at the forefront of such community efforts to prevent violent conflict, build peace and raise awareness of global challenges and cause of particular importance to them.
For example, in Yemen, young women face oppressive restrictions on their movement and are increasingly exposed to sexual and gender-based violence, early marriage and displacement. Yet, young Yemeni women have shown remarkable courage and resilience in grassroots peacebuilding. They have mediated local initiatives to restore water access, secured prisoner exchanges, and facilitated humanitarian access for international aid efforts. It is high time that their contributions at the local level were translated into seats at the negotiation table.
Slovenia will remain committed to the implementation of resolutions 1325 and 2250 and all subsequent resolutions on Women, Peace and Security and on Youth, Peace and Security, including through implementing relevant national programs and action plans. Peace can only be sustainable, if it is inclusive. Ensuring the meaningful participation of young persons in all their diversity should be a priority in all our peace and development efforts.
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