International conference to mark the 20th anniversary of the Responsibility to Protect at the UN
Minister Tanja Fajon with conference participants | Author Ministrstvo za zunanje in evropske zadeve
In her opening address, Minister Tanja Fajon explained that Slovenia has supported the R2P principle since its inception. Over the last two decades, this commitment has translated into tangible actions. Slovenia was among the first countries to appoint an R2P Focal Point within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Minister Fajon also recalled this year's 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, the ten fundamental principles of which have facilitated peaceful coexistence even during times of heightened tension: "Today, unfortunately, it is becoming increasingly common for these principles to be violated. However, this is not merely a legal issue; it is a grave warning to the entire world. When one rule collapses, all others rapidly begin to follow suit. That is why R2P should not be seen as a dated and forgotten concept, but rather as our living, concrete commitment to preventing crimes, protecting people and ensuring accountability."
A subsequent panel discussion featured Minister Fajon alongside the UN Secretary-General's Special Advisers discussing new ways to implement the R2P principle in practice. The Minister highlighted the current global geopolitical situation, the disintegration of the world order and the erosion of effective multilateralism, underlining: "R2P may not be perfect, but it is better than silence. Twenty years after its adoption, it has become more essential than ever". She further stated that although European politics and the economy are presently in a weakened state, Europe can seize this moment to strengthen its influence and champion European values globally.
The participants later presented the contributions of Slovenian diplomats to the development and implementation of this principle over the past twenty years, noting that it has consistently been a priority of Slovenian foreign policy in the field of human rights protection, as outlined in the current Foreign Policy Declaration and Foreign Policy Strategy. This principle continues to guide Slovenia's efforts to promote international peace and security, particularly in the context of its Security Council membership.
Co-organised by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, the conference brings together former and current Special Advisers to the UN Secretary-General on R2P, the Executive Director of the Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect in New York, and researchers from around the world, who will present their academic contributions on the implementation of and reflection on this principle.