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, Mr. President.

I wish to thank SRSG Rugwabiza for her comprehensive briefing and I also welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of the Central African Republic in this meeting.

Let me begin by expressing our sincere condolences to the families of the five Congolese peacekeepers who lost their lives in the tragic road accident on 16^th of September, and to the Government of the Republic of the Congo. This incident underscores the considerable risks that MINUSCA personnel face daily to implement the mandate entrusted to them by this Council.

Mr. President,

Since joining the Security Council, Slovenia was able to observe the value of investing in peacekeeping and peacebuilding in the Central African Republic, as the country slowly rose from conflict. This Council must continue to support these efforts. As we approach the renewal of MINUSCA’s mandate, I wish to make four brief points.

First, MINUSCA remains an indispensable guarantor of peace, security, and stability. For this reason, Slovenia supports a new one-year extension of the Mission’s mandate. We recognize the Mission’s financial challenges. However, the renewal of the mandate should be guided primarily by the mission’s political strategy and operational needs, while reflecting national priorities.

Second, we welcome the progress made in preparing for the local, legislative and presidential elections in December, but remain concerned about continuous funding shortfalls. All stakeholders must ensure that adequate resources are secured, so that the elections can proceed in a timely and organized manner.  

Elections alone will not yield meaningful results without a free and open civic space. We encourage the authorities to guarantee freedoms of expression, assembly, and association to ensure that the elections are inclusive, free, and fair.

Slovenia also calls for the full, equal, meaningful, and safe participation of women. We commend the success of efforts to increase the proportion of women on the electoral register. Nevertheless, it is equally important to increase the share of women candidates to meet the 35 percent quota, for example by strictly adhering to alternating candidate lists.

We welcome the ratification of the Maputo protocol. This Council must support the national authorities in its efforts to assure rights to all women of the Central African Republic. This includes maintaining the key provisions of MINUSCA’s mandate on Women, Peace and Security and integration of gender-related considerations in the priority tasks of the mission.

Third, we note positive steps in strengthening the rule of law throughout the country. MINUSCA’s support for deploying magistrates and other officials remains essential to extending state authority and presence and must continue.

The Special Criminal Court plays a key role in ensuring accountability for serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. As a cost-effective innovative model of justice, it deserves continued international support. We are nevertheless concerned about the Court’s precarious financial situation and encourage further resource mobilization to ensure its uninterrupted operation. Suspending the Court’s work would seriously undermine security in the country and risk reversing years of progress in upholding accountability for the most serious crimes.

Finally, we emphasize that peace, security and stability are essential to addressing humanitarian needs and sustaining development. The recent escalation of violence in the Vakaga province has again demonstrated the grave impact of conflicts on civilian populations, causing displacements, destruction of property and heightened protection risks, especially for women and children. It is imperative to ensure safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to all populations in need.

Mr. President,

Slovenia will remain a steadfast supporter and friend of the Central African Republic. Its story is a powerful reminder of what peacekeeping can achieve when provided with opportunity, resources, and political support.

I thank you.

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