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

Thank you Mr. President,

I wish to begin by thanking today’s briefers, ASG Pobee, Mr. Owinow, and Mr. Mutiga. I also welcome the representative of South Sudan to the meeting.

Mr. President,

I wish I could thank briefers for bringing us encouraging news – that political, security, and humanitarian trajectory is improving, that the people of South Sudan can at last look at the future with hope.

Sadly, this is not the case. We just heard a troubling account of reality in which civilians continue to suffer the most. They endure violence, hunger and displacement – paying the highest price for political failures and the absence of peace.

As the Secretary-General’s report – and ASG Pobee – reminded us, one fact captures this grim reality: staggering 77 % of South Sudan population is in need of humanitarian assistance and protection. This is nothing short of devastating. The spillover of the conflict in Sudan has only deepened the strain.

These already dire, human-made challenges are compounded by the severe climate shocks: floods washing away crops and livelihoods, while prolonged droughts parch the land, fueling competition over scarce resources and further amplifying displacement, hunger, and insecurity.

Mr. President,

Today, I will make the following three points:

First – as we have said before, the path to stability in South Sudan lies in a return to dialogue and implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement. We call for the release of detained opposition figures, including First Vice-President Machar; the restoration of the Transitional Government of National Unity; and a renewed commitment by all signatories to cease hostilities, to rebuild trust, and take concrete steps towards peaceful, inclusive and credible elections.

We commend the African Union and IGAD, as well as UNMISS and all regional and international actors for their efforts to preserve the integrity of the peace process and urge them to sustain and intensify their engagement.

Second – protection of civilians must remain the absolute priority. We condemn in the strongest terms the widespread human rights violations and abuses, including the alarming rise in conflict-related sexual violence – with survivors as young as ten.

Our position is clear: there can be no tolerance, no impunity for these acts. Those responsible, regardless of affiliation or rank, must be brought to justice. Preventing sexual and gender based violence must be a clear, enforceable and non-negotiable priority for all parties.

We call for immediate end of all hostilities. All military operations – aerial, ground, and riverine – that claim civilian lives and destroy essential infrastructure must cease.

Third – every delay in aid delivery, every attack on a relief worker, every destroyed clinic or warehouse translates directly into lives lost. Such acts are unacceptable, unlawful and must end.

All parties must allow safe, rapid, and unimpeded access to those in need. Humanitarian personnel, as well as assets and facilities must be protected at all times. Those who obstruct or target them must face justice.

Mr. President, in conclusion,

Slovenia again reiterates its full support for UNMISS and its continued commitment to support the people of South Sudan. We commend the Mission for its work to protect civilians, advance the peace process, and facilitate humanitarian delivery under exceptionally challenging conditions.

I thank you.

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