Highlights of Slovenia's activities in the UN Security Council in February 2025

On the third anniversary of the Russian aggression against Ukraine, the Security Council held a briefing on the maintenance of international peace and security. In its speech, Slovenia emphasised that after three years of serious violations of international law, the Russian aggression must stop. Since the beginning of the Russian attack on Ukraine, Slovenia has been providing humanitarian and development aid to the country, with an emphasis on demining, rehabilitation of war victims, psychosocial assistance to children, healthcare and capacity building of local communities. Slovenia will continue to advocate respect for international law, to stress the importance of accountability for crimes committed and to work for a just and lasting peace based on the principles of the UN Charter, including as a member of the UN Security Council. At the proposal of the United States, the Security Council adopted a resolution calling for an end to the conflict in Ukraine, the first resolution on Ukraine since 2015.  

With the political situation in Syria still unfolding after the fall of the Assad regime, the Security Council discussed the situation in the country. Syria is now at a historic moment in fulfilling the aspirations of its people to live in peace, freedom and prosperity. An inclusive political transition in a timely and credible manner is essential. Slovenia called for the implementation of UNSC resolution 2254 and for Syria to continue its dialogue with neighbouring countries, regional actors and the international community.

Together with the other members of the Security Council, Slovenia adopted a press statement on the Houthi detention of UN and international NGO staff. Condemning the tragic death of a WFP staff member, the countries called for the immediate and unconditional release of all detainees and reiterated that all threats against humanitarian workers are unacceptable. The Security Council also adopted press statements condemning the terrorist attack in Afghanistan and the attack on the United Nations Mine Action Service in the Central African Republic, which claimed the life of one peacekeeper.

During the open debate on multilateralism, Slovenia stressed that in order to revitalise the UN, we need a sincere commitment to create a world without fear, with full respect for human rights and dignity, to address new security challenges such as climate change, environmental threats, cyber-attacks and terrorism, and to take pride in the UN's past achievements within its legal framework, which upholds the power of rules rather than the rule of power.

For the third time this year, the Security Council held an emergency meeting to address the escalating situation in eastern DR Congo. Slovenia called for an end to hostilities and violence against civilians and urged safe humanitarian access. Both sides must return to dialogue and lift all restrictions on the freedom of movement of the UN Organisation Stabilization Mission in the DRC. Slovenia welcomed the adoption of a resolution demanding that the M23 armed group cease hostilities and that Rwanda withdraw its forces from the DRC's territory.

Nearly two years of conflict have led to a widespread humanitarian crisis in Sudan, with record numbers of internally displaced persons and refugees in neighbouring countries, and the worst food crisis in the country's history. Slovenia called for a cessation of hostilities and an immediate ceasefire, as well as for respect for international humanitarian law, international human rights law and the Jeddah Commitments.

The Security Council also adopted a resolution extending the mandate of the Panel of Experts assisting its Sanctions Committee on Sudan.