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 Mr. President.

We thank both briefers and commend UNISFA’s personnel for the dedication under increasingly complex and unpredictable conditions.

Mr. President,

I wish to make the following three points:

First – Abyei’s fragile stability continues to erode under the weight of overlapping crises – the war in Sudan, instability in South Sudan, the lack of progress in Abyei’s final status, the proliferation of state and non-state armed actors as well as weapons, and the growing impact of climate-related shocks – to name a few.

The protracted political vacuum is untenable. Slovenia calls on Sudan and South Sudan to resume dialogue to resolve outstanding issues and ensure that Abyei remains a political priority.

The increased presence of armed actors – the RSF in the north and the SSPDF and National Police in the south – constitutes a clear violation of the 2011 Agreement and undermines Abyei’s demilitarized and weapons-free status. All armed actors must withdraw immediately and unconditionally.

We remain deeply concerned about the reported proliferation of small arms and light weapons fuelling crime and intercommunal violence. Climate stress and resource scarcity further aggravate competition and displacement and must be addressed with the sense of urgency.

Second – The humanitarian and human rights situation continues to deteriorate. Cholera outbreaks, food insecurity and growing displacement continue to devastate communities, while cuts are forcing humanitarian partners to scale back critical services. We underscore – the humanitarian access must remain safe and unhindered, and humanitarian workers must be protected.

We strongly condemn the human rights violations, including arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and sexual violence. Likewise, we are gravely alarmed by the reports of sexual and gender-based violence, especially against minors. Survivors deserve justice and comprehensive support. Silence and impunity are not acceptable.

Slovenia commends UNISFA’s continued engagement with local leaders to promote reconciliation and coexistence between the Ngok Dinka, Misseriya, and Twic Dinka communities. The Mission’s facilitation of joint peace committees, traditional leaders’ dialogues, and women’s and youth conferences remain vital in easing tensions and preventing escalation. We wish to stress that women’s leadership and participation are central to local peacebuilding.

Third – UNISFA remains a vital stabilizing presence in an increasingly volatile region. Yet it continues to face serious constraints – restrictions on freedom of movement, repeated SOFA violations, and persistent obstruction, threats, and safety incidents against its personnel. Such actions are unacceptable. We call on all parties to fully respect their obligations under the SOFA and guarantee UNISFA’s safe, unhindered access by air and land.

The situation around the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism (JBVMM) in Kadugli remains highly alarming. Insecurity and access restrictions continue to jeopardize its operations and the safety of UN personnel. We call on parties to guarantee the safety and freedom of movement of all UN staff, and create conditions for the Mechanism’s safe functioning.

We commend UNISFA’s continued mentoring of community protection committees and joint protection units, as well as training on detention practices, human rights, and early warning.

Abyei needs functioning policing institutions. The establishment of the Abyei Police Service is essential to uphold law and order and protect civilians. Equally, the deployment of the authorized UN police officers and Formed Police Units is overdue. We call on parties to support pending deployments, including civilian deputy head of mission, without delay.

Mr. President,

Abyei cannot remain a forgotten flashpoint. A sustainable ceasefire in Sudan, political re-engagement by both countries, and implementation of the 2011 Agreement are prerequisites for lasting stability.

Until Abyei’s final status is determined, UNISFA remains indispensable. Slovenia fully supports the renewal of UNISFA’s mandate and underlines the Mission’s essential role in maintaining peace and security and protecting civilians in Abyei.

Thank you.

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