First regular session of the UN Human Rights Council during Slovenia's term of membership successfully concluded

This is the third time that Slovenia has become a member of the UN Human Rights Council. | Author MZEZ

Slovenia was among the co-sponsors of the resolution on the rights of persons belonging to national, ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities, which extended the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on minority issues for the next three years. At the end of the session, the President of the Human Rights Council appointed Dr Zvezdan Pirtošek, a Slovenian expert, to the position of Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons. Dr Pirtošek is the first Slovenian expert to hold an HRC Special Procedures mandate.

The 61st session, which took place between 23 February and 31 March amid heightened and uncertain geopolitical conditions, was the first regular session during Slovenia's third term on the HRC (2026-2028). At the annual high-level segment,Slovenia was represented by Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon. In her address, she outlined Slovenia's guiding principle: "We must stand up for human rights every day, especially in the world we live in today. Human rights will only survive if we defend them, and defending them today requires courage."

Despite the increasingly tense global situation, the HRC has succeeded in maintaining a space for dialogue and cooperation, adopting numerous important initiatives that address human rights violations around the world. The mandates of the special rapporteurs, commissions and investigative mechanisms relating to Belarus, Syria, Myanmar, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Ukraine and South Sudan were all extended. The HRC drew attention to the severity of human rights violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, emphasising the importance of political commitment from states to ensure accountability for violations of international law.

The HRC also held two urgent debates to address developments in the Middle East. The first debate focused on the human rights implications of Iran's attacks against Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Jordan. The second debate centred on the protection of children and educational institutions in armed conflicts, in light of the aerial attack on the Minab Girls' School in Iran. Slovenia participated in both debates, emphasising the negative impact that the conflict has had on human rights in the region. Our country placed great emphasis on the importance of strictly adhering to international law and protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure. It also expressed support for efforts to de-escalate the situation and find constructive diplomatic solutions to the conflict, the consequences of which are already being felt regionally and globally.

The HRC also endorsed several initiatives. This includes the adoption of a resolution on the rights of members of national, ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities, co-sponsored by Slovenia. The unanimous extension of the Special Rapporteur on minority issues' mandate for another three years is an important signal at a time when minority rights require greater attention from the international community globally. The protection of minority rights is already a particular focus of Slovenia's foreign policy, both in its bilateral relations with neighbouring countries and within international organisations.

At the initiative of the EU and the GRULAC countries, the HRC adopted a resolution on the rights and situation of children in armed conflict. The mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the sale, sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children was extended by a further three years, which confirms the HRC's commitment to protecting the most vulnerable.

In terms of meaningfully involving children in the Council's work and discussions, Slovenia continues to be one of the frontrunners in Geneva. We were pleased to welcome a representative of the Slovenian Children's Parliament, who was also present at the 61st session. Speaking on behalf of Slovenian children at the annual HRC panel on children's rights, Manca Skubic emphasised the importance of protecting children from violence and ensuring they are never forced to fight. Children never start wars, yet they often bear the brunt of them.

On the sidelines of the 61st session, Slovenia co-organised and participated in several side events, including a discussion on strengthening women's political leadership in multilateralism, which Minister Fajon took part in. Together with the Special Rapporteur on human rights and the environment, Slovenia co-organised an event on clean air, public health and human rights. Slovenia also supported various other events, including those addressing accountability for human rights violations during Russia's aggression against Ukraine, the impact of war on civilians, the prevention of violence against children and support for their mental health, the role of human rights education in strengthening social rights and democratic resilience and the protection of those who cooperate with international tribunals.

At the close of the 61st session, the President of HRC appointed Prof. Dr Zvezdan Pirtošek as the new Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons.He will take up his three-year mandate on 1 May 2026. Dr Pirtošek is the first Slovenian expert to hold a HRC Special Procedures mandate, which is a significant recognition of his work and provides an opportunity to strengthen Slovenia's efforts in the field of older persons' rights.

The Human Rights Council is the central UN body responsible for human rights. On 1 January 2026, Slovenia became a member of the UN Human Rights Council for the third time. Find out more about Slovenia's priorities and activities in the HRC (in Slovenian).