Statement on poverty, underdevelopment and conflict
19 June 2025 – Statement by the Republic of Slovenia at UNSC open debate on “Poverty, Underdevelopment, and Conflict: Implications for the Maintenance of International Peace and Security”
Statement by the Republic of Slovenia at the briefing on the threats to international peace and security
Thank you, President.
I wish to thank Director Ebo for his briefing, we also take note of the statement by Mr. Szamuely.
Let me make a couple of points on behalf of my delegation:
Firstly, Slovenia is concerned with the extent of destruction and human suffering caused by this war of aggression. With time and new weaponry being delivered to the battlefields, the potential for devastation is further increasing.
Although the global volume of arms transfers between 2019 and 2023 has decreased in comparison to the previous 5-year period, uncontrolled and illegal arms flows continue to present challenges to peace, stability and development across the globe. This is especially true for small arms and light weapons, where diversion presents a tangible problem, causing cycle of violence around the world.
However, right now the cause for instability and deterred development in Ukraine is a unilaterally instigated invasion. A country under siege must be able to defend itself as provided by in Article 51 of the UN Charter and the international legal framework pertaining to arms transfers.
We strongly reject the notion that Russia, as an aggressor in this war, can act as an advisor on the way in which or with which conventional arms Ukraine should defend itself.
Secondly, the efforts of this Council would be much better spent addressing illegal arms transfers. For instance, the emerging evidence of missiles transfers from DPRK to Russia for the use in the war on Ukraine. This is a clear violation of multiple Security Council resolutions and presents an obvious proliferation risk. We discussed the issue in detail yesterday, however let me reiterate Slovenia’s grave concern with the growing military cooperation between Russia and the DPRK.
Thirdly, Slovenia is deeply concerned with the reports of ballistic missiles transfers from Iran to Russia. If true, this would represent a serious development and an unacceptable act of material support to the ongoing aggression.
Madam President,
In conclusion, this war has ever-greater consequences for the global state of peace and security. Its ramifications are felt far beyond its geography, they are global. This Council should put every effort into ending it and institute a just and durable peace for Ukraine and its people. Until then, Slovenia will continue to support Ukraine in defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
I thank you, Madam President.
19 June 2025 – Statement by the Republic of Slovenia at UNSC open debate on “Poverty, Underdevelopment, and Conflict: Implications for the Maintenance of International Peace and Security”
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