Today, Slovenia, in cooperation with Algeria, Panama, Sierra Leone, and the Global Alliance to Spare Water from Armed Conflicts, convened a UN Security Council Arria-formula meeting titled “Freshwater Resources and Related Infrastructure under Attack”.

State Secretary Melita Gabrič addressed the meeting, emphasizing the critical role that protecting water and related infrastructure during armed conflicts plays in safeguarding civilian lives.

In her statement, State Secretary Gabrič highlighted the harsh daily realities faced by tens of thousands of civilians trapped in armed conflicts around the world: “A story of a Palestinian boy in Rafah, forced to drink from a puddle in the blistering summer heat – after explosives wired to the Canada Water reservoir damaged a facility that once held three million litres of life-sustaining water. Or a Sudanese mother in Khartoum – one among 2,5 million people – struggling to access safe water, as drone strikes on the Merowe Dam shattered the operations of vital water stations.”

Photo: Saša Jurečko

She underscored that the disruption of water and sanitation services is one of the most urgent and often overlooked consequences of war. Citing the Secretary-General’s 2024 report on the Protection of Civilians, she drew attention to documented attacks on water infrastructure in Gaza, Sudan, Lebanon, and Syria.

Reaffirming Slovenia’s steadfast position that the protection of civilians and civilian objects under international humanitarian law is non-negotiable, she called on all parties to armed conflicts to exercise constant care in sparing civilian infrastructure. She placed particular emphasis on the safety and security of civilian operators, maintenance and repair personnel who ensure the delivery of safe, life-sustaining drinking water to millions.

The UN Security Council and the broader UN membership was briefed by a panel of four briefers who shared their experiences from around the world. Ms Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, underscored the provisions of the international humanitarian law that provides vital safeguards for water resources and the civilian infrastructure that delivers them – installations, systems, and the personnel who keep them running. She emphasized: “Water is life. It is health. It is dignity. It is survival.“

Photo: Saša Jurečko

Mr. Ted Chaiban, Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF, highlighted the devastating impact of poisoned water wells, damaged pipelines, and non-functional water systems on vulnerable populations, particularly children. Ms. Mehwash Ansari, Regional Head of Programme for Africa at Geneva Call, shared examples from the organization’s work across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. She described how Geneva Call engages in humanitarian dialogue with nearly 200 armed groups and de facto authorities to enhance the protection of civilians in conflict-affected areas.

The meeting builds on Slovenia’s long-standing commitment to water diplomacy. It presented an opportunity for engagement of the Global Alliance to Spare Water from Armed Conflicts with the UN Security Council and broader UN Membership. The discussion focused on advancing advocacy, strengthening evidence-based reporting, and enhancing the implementation of protection and prevention measures before, during, and after armed conflicts.

Over 45 UN member states took part in the meeting with their remarks. The recording of the meeting is available here.

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