Statement by Deputy Permanent Representative of Slovenia to the United Nations Saša Jurečko at UNSC meeting on the situation in the Central African Republic

Thank you Madam President.

Let me begin by thanking USG Lacroix for his comprehensive briefing. I also welcome the Permanent Representative of the Central African Republic to this briefing.

Colleagues,

We meet today just days after a tragic attack that claimed the life of a Zambian peacekeeper and three months after an attack that killed a peacekeeper from Kenya. Our deepest condolences go out to their families, and to the Governments of Kenya and Zambia.

We’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: We condemn attacks on Blue Helmets in the strongest possible terms. Those responsible must be brought to justice.

We also wish to join others in expressing our sincere condolences to the Government of the Central African Republic and all those affected by yesterday’s tragedy at the Barthélemy Boganda High School in Bangui.

Madam President,

I would like to make three additional points:

First, we welcome the recent ceasefire agreement reached with the 3R and UPC and their return to the Political Agreement.

This agreement must be implemented. And remaining armed groups should immediately cease hostilities and join the peace process.

We are monitoring also very closely the continued violence in the border regions in the East and West of the country. Spillover of violence from Sudan is a cause for serious concern.

Let me be clear. Rules of war also apply to this situation. All parties must ensure their compliance with international humanitarian law.

Slovenia welcomes MINUSCA’s proactive peacekeeping posture. To ensure the safety of civilians and its own personnel, MINUSCA should be equipped with adequate air support and ISR capabilities. Let me use this opportunity to also urge national authorities to avoid any disruptions that could impede MINUSCA’s operations.

Second, we welcome the intensified efforts by the CAR government to complete voter registration and prepare for the upcoming local elections. We particularly commend initiatives aimed at increasing women’s participation in the electoral process.

Member States and regional organizations should continue to provide financial and other kinds of support to help ensure a conducive environment for free, fair, transparent, peaceful and inclusive elections, in which all eligible voters can cast their vote. We also encourage the Government of the Central African Republic to ensure open and free political space, and uphold the freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly, and association.

Finally, we are concerned about the financial challenges faced by the Special Criminal Court. Ensuring accountability for serious violations and abuses of human rights and international humanitarian law is essential to the peace process and long-term stabilization. We therefore urge the international community to ensure the Court remains adequately funded to avoid jeopardizing ongoing investigations and trials.

Madam President,

For more than a decade, the Central African Republic has been on a gradual path towards peace and stability. Slovenia stands ready to continue supporting the country, as it moves from conflict towards development and lasting progress.

I thank you.

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