Highlights of Slovenia's work in UN Security Council in April 2024

SLOVENIA, May 1 - The debate on the UN Secretary-General's report on the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) once again exposed the deep wounds and divisions between the two communities in Kosovo. Slovenia recalled the progress achieved over the past 25 years and stressed that the way forward should be based on dialogue, implementation of agreements, ensuring security and prosperity for all citizens of Kosovo, and on acceptance and coexistence.

There was also a briefing on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which Slovenia considered to be exploited for geopolitical purposes, and called on the Security Council to refrain from engaging in unnecessary and misleading debates driven by individual domestic political interests. Instead, Slovenia emphasised the importance of respecting and supporting international instruments and mechanisms. Furthermore, it advocated for support for Bosnia and Herzegovina as it progresses towards EU membership, which would ensure peace and long-term stability for the country.

During the open debate on the role of young people in addressing security challenges in the Mediterranean, Secretary-General Renata Cvelbar Bek said that the future belongs to young people and they must have a voice in shaping it. To give our youth a future free from war and fear, we must act now to build a more peaceful, sustainable and prosperous future, both in the Mediterranean and beyond.

The Security Council convened a debate on children and armed conflict to discuss the denial of humanitarian access, which the Security Council has identified as one of the six grave violations against children in times of war. Slovenia expressed its outrage at the continued denial of humanitarian access, stressing that rules apply even in war. Parties to the conflict must respect their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

At the annual Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security, which focused on the prevention of conflict-related sexual violence through demilitarisation and gender-responsive arms control as the central theme, Slovenia strongly condemned all forms of sexual and gender-based violence. The Women, Peace and Security agenda is also one of Slovenia's priorities in the Security Council.

Slovenia voted in favour of the resolution on the non-proliferation in outer space and participated in the negotiations on ensuring a safe space environment and the peaceful use of outer space.

The crisis in Myanmar necessitated another Security Council meeting on the issue after five years. In this context, Slovenia drew attention to the continuing deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the country and condemned the indiscriminate violence by the army against the civilian population. The Security Council also discussed the situation in Haiti, where Slovenia condemned the widespread and coordinated gang attacks, pointed to the seriousness of the humanitarian crisis and the political instability, and expressed its continued support for the Haitian people.

The Security Council also addressed the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in the African Great Lakes region and twice discussed the situation in Sudan, where one year of war has unleashed the world's worst displacement and food insecurity crisis. Slovenia has consistently called on all parties in Sudan to end the violence and renew efforts to reach a durable ceasefire and political settlement, to prevent interference by external actors, to protect civilians, in particular vulnerable groups, and to ensure unhindered humanitarian access. The Security Council also extended the mandate of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) for one year. UNMISS plays a crucial role in fostering enduring peace in the world's youngest country and supporting inclusive and accountable governance, as well as facilitating preparations for free, fair and peaceful elections.