Highlights of Slovenia's activity in the UN Security Council in November 2025

United Nations Security Council | Author UN

Most of the countries that supported the resolution, including Slovenia, explained their vote in favour as support for a ceasefire, the stabilisation and reconstruction of Gaza, and as support for peace based on a two-state solution. Slovenia drew attention to elements that will need to be further elaborated, while also emphasising the right to self-determination and the territorial integrity of Palestine.

Among the decisions adopted in November, it is particularly worth noting that both the Council and the General Assembly unanimously adopted twin resolutions on the review of the UN peacebuilding architecture, which is conducted every five years and presents an opportunity to further strengthen the components and capacities of the entire UN peacebuilding and peacekeeping system. The adoption of the resolutions is the result of a year-long process led by Slovenia and Egypt.

After almost two months, the Council, also at Slovenia's request, held a debate on Ukraine in light of the intensification of Russian attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure. Slovenia warned that despite all calls and diplomatic efforts to achieve peace, Russian attacks were escalating. Particularly concerning is the use of drones, as these attacks, which claimed over half of all civilian casualties, were described by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine as a crime against humanity, both because of the loss of life and the forced displacement of the population.

At its regular briefing, the Council addressed the Palestinian issue, where Slovenia once again highlighted humanitarian needs, condemned the settlers' violence in the West Bank and called for full respect of international law and accountability.

At the briefing on Syria, most members welcomed the adoption of a resolution removing the Syrian President and Interior Minister from the sanctions list relating to ISIL-Daesh and Al-Qaeda, describing it as a positive step in support of the new Syrian government, promoting economic recovery and facilitating the political process. Many also welcomed Syria's recent decision to join the Global Coalition to Fight Daesh. Slovenia highlighted the humanitarian situation and called for dialogue at national and regional levels, and within the international community.

In November, the Council touched on the war in Sudan only indirectly, through its discussion on the situation in South Sudan and in the special administrative area of Abyei, which lies on the border between the two Sudans. Slovenia and other Council members expressed concern about the spillover across borders, particularly the huge influx of refugees, which, coupled with climate change and political instability, is causing extremely poor humanitarian conditions in the wider region.

At the proposal of the presiding Sierra Leone, the Council discussed the situation in West Africa and the Sahel, with a particular focus on combatting terrorism, given that the Sahel is becoming its global hotspot. Slovenia emphasised the need for regional cooperation and a comprehensive approach to security, development and governance. It also called for respect for international law and human rights in the fight against terrorism, and urged an end to the funding of terrorist groups, as well as the provision of adequate humanitarian aid and access to it.

The Council extended the mandates of the MINUSCA peacekeeping operation in the Central African Republic and the UNISFA operation in the Special Administrative Area of Abyei on the border between Sudan and South Sudan for one year. It also extended the mandate of the Operation IRINI for six months, renewing its authority to inspect vessels on the high seas off the coast of Libya that are believed to be in violation of the arms embargo.

The Council also extended the sanctions regime for Yemen.

In addition, the Council held an open debate on small arms and light weapons, during which it discussed the UN Secretary-General's report on the subject. In its statement, Slovenia emphasised the importance of protecting civilians and vulnerable groups, and called for better management and more effective prevention of the small arms and light weapons proliferation.

Among its signature events, Sierra Leone organised a high-level open debate on conflict-related food insecurity. Slovenia focused its presentation on the importance of respecting international humanitarian law and, as the focal point for hunger and conflict, drew attention to the urgent need for the Council to take action. It also highlighted the long-term impact of hunger, which has a particularly severe impact on already vulnerable population groups.

The Council also discussed the effects of armed conflict on the environment. Slovenia, which emphasises the link between climate and environmental challenges and security as one of its thematic priorities, drew particular attention to the impact of environmental damage on civilians. It also highlighted the need to protect water resources in armed conflicts and, in the context of conflict prevention, called for the respect of human rights, including the right to a healthy, clean and sustainable environment, as well as climate action.

At the Arria formula meeting on Maritime Safety and Security: Protection of Seafarers, Slovenia warned of the rise in maritime crime, piracy, smuggling and attacks on civilian shipping, and stressed the need for consistent respect for international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. It stressed that all countries must contribute to the safety of maritime routes and take responsibility for protecting civilian shipping.

President of the Council and President of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly issued a joint letter formally launching the process of selecting a new UN Secretary-General.