Statement by Deputy Permanent Representative of Slovenia to the United Nations Saša Jurečko at the briefing on the maintenance of international peace and security

Thank you, Mr. President,

I would like to thank the Special Adviser of the Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide Ms Alice Nderitu for her presentation.

As this Council struggles to find solutions to the complexities of today’s growing number of conflicts and its drivers one thing seems clear. Mutual understanding and respect are the bedrock for promoting tolerance and building peaceful, inclusive and resilient societies. In doing so, the role of civil society is indispensable. Investing in children and youth will lay the foundation for a more tolerant and peaceful future societies. Allow me to make three points in this regard:

First, past lessons teach us that widespread, gross and systematic human rights violations and abuses are often indicators of risk of violence and conflict. The Security Council should pay close attention to these processes and respond to them in a timely and appropriate manner. Prevention is key.

Second, only inclusive societies grounded in social cohesion and embracing diversity can promote tolerance and build lasting peace. The role of women is key in this respect. As builders of peace and social cohesion women are indispensable partners in preventing and resolving conflicts. Their full, equal, meaningful and safe participation must be at the heart of all peace and security-related activities. Societies that empower women are more peaceful and when women are included, peace is more sustainable.

Security Council resolution 1325 with succeeding resolutions set up a strong normative framework to increase the participation of women and incorporate gender perspectives in all peace and security efforts of the UN and we call for its full implementation.

Mr. President,

As my third and my last point, I would like to use this opportunity to stress the importance of addressing human rights in all UN fora. There should be no doubt that human rights belong also in the Security Council, as an early warning mechanism, as a part of preventive action or in the context of protection of civilians, to name just a few. As the latest Secretary General’s Report on Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict points out, strengthening compliance with international human rights law is central to the protection of civilians agenda. Therefore, we fully support the inclusion of human rights considerations in the work of the Security Council. Full and non-selective adherence to international human rights law in this respect is essential.

Mr. President,

The mutually reinforcing relationship between peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights is clear and has also been recognized by this Council. The UN human rights system provides a collective toolbox for better understanding and more accurate assessment of the security situations on the ground. It can thus provide indispensable support to countries and the Security Council in their conflict prevention efforts and in building sustainable peace.

I thank you.

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