Statement by the Republic of Slovenia at the briefing on the Reports of the Secretary-General on the Sudan and South Sudan, UNMISS

Thank you Mr. President,

I wish to begin by thanking SRSG Haysom for his briefing and Ms. Lorna for her valuable insights.

Slovenia reiterates its steadfast support to the people of South Sudan in their pursuit of lasting peace and stability.

While regretting the decision to further extend the transitional period, we urge the Government of South Sudan and all parties that this time be used constructively to fully implement the Revitalized Peace Agreement. Steady progress on the electoral Roadmap is essential for a sustainable and democratic future of South Sudan.

Recognizing the precarious economic situation South Sudan faces, exacerbated, among others, by the ongoing conflict in Sudan, we nevertheless believe that the government should prioritize adequate funding in support of the Revitalized Agreement’s implementation and peace efforts.

We strongly urge the government to make concrete progress, uphold its commitments, and ensure transparent preparations of free, fair, credible and inclusive elections and implement security sector reforms. Immediate progress on critical issues, including necessary unified forces deployment, preparation for voter registration and the permanent constitution, among others, is essential. Clear, strategic roadmap should be prepared, backed by robust resource mobilization.

Women and youth must have the ability to fully, equally, meaningfully and safely participate in all peace and political processes. Their leadership is extremely valuable and their voices must be heard in order to build a democratic, inclusive and resilient future. Through these processes root causes of the intercommunal conflicts should be addressed.

Mr. President,

The humanitarian crisis in South Sudan has been worsening. Economic stress, resource shortages, and intensified violence have left millions in need.  The compounding effects of severe climate impacts and spillover from the Sudan conflict further heighten acute food insecurity, now affecting over half the population.

The arrival of more than 830,000 refugees and returnees from Sudan has further strained the country’s already fragile socio-economic stability. An immediate and durable ceasefire in Sudan is thus imperative.

Humanitarian supply routes have been further impacted by extreme weather events, hindering the delivery of essential aid. Critical infrastructure, especially healthcare, is under immense pressure, with reports of cholera outbreak in Renk County raising additional concerns.

Humanitarian efforts are also endangered by the escalation of subnational and intercommunal violence. Safe and unhindered humanitarian access is critical and we condemn all violence against humanitarian workers. We urge South Sudan’s government to prioritize the safety of humanitarian operations.

Mr. President,

Slovenia is especially alarmed by documented cases of child recruitment and sexual and gender-based violence, including conflict-related sexual violence. We call on the Government of South Sudan to step-up the preventive efforts and protect all members of all communities, in particular women and children. We also call for ensuring accountability for those responsible for human rights abuses and violations of international humanitarian law.

Mr. President,

We reaffirm our support for UNMISS and commends its indispensable role in supporting peace and protecting civilians. We remain deeply concerned by the reports of ongoing and widespread violations of the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA). Persistent violations gravely hinder UNMISS’s ability to effectively carry out its mandate.

Slovenia urges the Government to fully respect and implement the SOFA provisions, thereby enabling UNMISS to operate without restrictions, fulfilling its essential role in protecting civilians.

I thank you.

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