Statement by the Republic of Slovenia at the briefing on the situation in the Great Lakes Region

Thank you very much, Madam President,

I wish to express my gratitude to Special Envoy Xia, ASG Msuya and Ms Vaweka for their briefings. Sobering briefings I might add.

Madam President,

The Great Lakes region has faced a myriad of challenges impacting its security, humanitarian and human rights situation and governance. It is clear that its stability hinges on continued cooperation within the region. The deteriorating security and humanitarian conditions in eastern DRC, cross-border incidents, and in the overall activity of armed groups are deeply concerning; with serious regional implications. 

Allow me to raise three points in this regard:

Firstly – We support efforts to revitalize and strengthen The Peace, Security, and Cooperation Framework. Its effective implementation remains crucial for the stability, sustainable development, and prosperity of the Great Lakes region.

Regional diplomatic efforts must remain pivotal to conflict resolution, with the Nairobi and the Luanda processes playing significant roles. We commend the African Union, regional and sub-regional organizations, countries of the region, UN entities, and the Special Envoy for their efforts to foster peace and stability in the region.

However, there is a significant risk that progress may be undermined by inflammatory rhetoric. We reiterate the importance of avoiding actions that escalate tensions, including the use and spread of misinformation, disinformation, hate speech, and incitement to violence.

Madam President,

The escalating tensions between countries in the region are a significant cause for concern. We welcome the leadership of the regional actors promoting and working towards diplomatic solutions. We reiterate the call for all armed groups to cease hostilities. Support of any kind to armed groups must be halted, and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the states in the region must be respected.

Secondly, as in many other situations, addressing the root causes and drivers of instability is essential to fostering peace and progress.

Natural resources, including high-value minerals, have the potential to significantly contribute to sustainable development throughout the region. However, practices that are often unjust and unsustainable fuel conflicts and instability. The illicit exploitation of natural resources is of critical concern, as it not only finances armed groups but also perpetuates cycles of corruption and environmental harm, undermining the region’s development and stability. We encourage countries in the region to continue making tangible progress in the implementation of the Regional Mineral Certification Mechanism of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region.

Madam President,

Ethnic tensions and historical grievances also play a role in the region’s ongoing instability.

Concerted efforts to address these challenges must prioritize the rule of law, inclusive governance, upholding and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms, and fostering equitable socio-economic growth, including responsible resource management.

Additionally, the adverse impacts of climate change serve as significant drivers of instability. Severe weather events, displacement, and climate-induced food insecurity, among other factors, exacerbate humanitarian needs and tensions. Implementing conflict-sensitive climate actions is essential for promoting stability and security.

Thirdly, the human rights and humanitarian situation, particularly in east DRC, remains deeply troubling. Civilians, especially women and children, bear the brunt of ongoing armed conflicts. We condemn the continuous violations and abuses of human rights, including sexual and gender-based violence, child recruitment, and other grave violations against children, as well as mass displacements. Reports of shelling, sexual violence, and exploitation in and around displacement camps are profoundly disturbing and the number of cases is horrifying. These violations must be thoroughly investigated, and perpetrators held accountable. Ensuring accountability is imperative.

There is an urgent need to alleviate the suffering of the affected populations, yet persistent obstacles hinder humanitarian efforts. The safety of humanitarian workers and the secure delivery of aid must be guaranteed. We call on all parties to respect and uphold their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law.

Madam President,

In conclusion, we thank Special Envoy Xia for his efforts and encourage him to continue his good offices and activities aimed at providing continuous support to countries in the region, as detailed in the last Secretary-General’s report. We commend his work in promoting Women, Peace, and Security, empowering youth, and raising awareness about gender-based violence, including in the mining sector.

Instability, insecurity, conflicts and human suffering have too long been a defining characteristic of the Great Lakes. However, peace and stability should not merely be the absence of conflict, but rather the presence of equitable opportunities that ensure the sustained well-being and resilience of communities. Slovenia stands ready to work with partners to this end.

I thank you.

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