Highlights of Slovenia's activity in the UN Security Council in August 2025
As the signature event of its presidency, Panama has chosen to hold an open debate on maritime safety. The UN Security Council held regular briefings on Yemen, Lebanon and Syria and the threat of terrorism to international peace and security. The Council also held an open debate on the Secretary-General's report on conflict-related sexual violence.
The Security Council addressed the situation in Gaza on three occasions. In early August, members discussed the fate of the Israeli hostages captured on 7 October 2023, who have now been held captive for almost two years. Slovenia once again drew attention to the prohibition of taking hostages, as well as the obligation to treat them humanely. Slovenia also urged all parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire.
Following the Israeli cabinet's announcement of plans to expand its military campaign in Gaza, most Council members, including Slovenia, called for an emergency meeting. Members condemned Israel's decision, describing it as a systematic plan of destruction, which further endangers the lives of civilians and hostages in Gaza. Prior to the meeting, Slovenia, on behalf of five European members of the Council – Denmark, France, Greece, Slovenia and the United Kingdom – delivered a joint press statement condemning Israel's plans.
The declaration of famine in Gaza in late August prompted the Council to begin preparing an immediate response. At the end of the month, Slovenia and Guyana, in their capacity as informal co-focal points on conflict and hunger in the Security Council, further highlighted the issue at the regular Council meeting on the Middle East. The two countries also issued a press statement on behalf of 14 Council members. The statement emphasised the urgent need for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, calling on Israel to remove all restrictions on the delivery of humanitarian aid in line with the fundamental principles of humanitarian action. The statement also warned that expanding military operations in Gaza would exacerbate the already dire situation and endanger the lives of civilians and hostages.
At the end of August, the Security Council held an extraordinary meeting on Iran. France, Germany and the United Kingdom triggered the mechanism for reimposing UN sanctions after Iran failed to respond to their offer to extend the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA) and continued to breach the terms of the agreement.
The Security Council extended the mandate of the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon. Regarding Syria, a presidential statement was adopted after several rounds of negotiations concerning the violence in Suwaida.
In response to the ongoing violence against civilians in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the Council issued two press statements. Despite the peace agreement between the DRC and Rwanda, the deteriorating situation prompted the Council to convene an emergency briefing. In light of the ongoing violence in Sudan, the Council held an emergency briefing and released a statement rejecting the creation of a rival government in areas under the control of the Rapid Support Forces.
The Security Council also held regular briefings on the work of the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), the situation in South Sudan and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
In August, the Security Council focused on the humanitarian situation in Haiti and the plight of children caught up in the conflict. Discussions and coordination are already underway regarding the UN's continued presence on the island.
Despite numerous attempts to broker a peace deal, Russia’s attacks on Ukraine have been intensifying. On the night of 27–28 August, more than 60 civilians were killed or injured in Kyiv. On behalf of the European members of the Security Council and Ukraine, Slovenia therefore requested an emergency briefing. The vast majority of members condemned the escalation of attacks at a time of intense political efforts to achieve peace. These attacks are also contrary to Russia’s assurances of its readiness to continue peace efforts. The UNSC members reiterated their concern about the situation facing the civilian population, condemning the damage to the premises of the European Union Delegation and the British Cultural Centre in the recent attack on Kyiv.
The Council's mid-August agenda included a discussion of the situation in Georgia, which coincided with the anniversary of the 2008 Russian invasion. After the meeting, Slovenia issued a press statement on behalf of the European members of the Council and Latvia, which will join the Council next year. The statement condemned the invasion, expressing support for Georgia's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In August, the Security Council held an open debate on conflict-related sexual violence, which is also one of Slovenia's thematic priorities. The discussions focused on the Secretary-General’s alarming annual report for 2024. The number of victims of conflict-related sexual violence has increased by a quarter compared to the previous year, with the majority of victims being women and girls. The report covers violations in 21 conflicts around the world. Slovenia condemned the use of sexual violence, calling for the perpetrators to be held accountable and promoting an approach that focuses on victims and ensures they have access to support. The Slovenian representative emphasised that respecting women's rights and achieving gender equality are the foundations of peace and security, and advocated adequate support for local organisations.
Together with other members committed to advancing the Women, Peace and Security Agenda, Slovenia released a joint press statement on conflict-related sexual violence. Together with countries that support joint commitments in the areas of climate, peace and security, our country issued also a joint statement on South Sudan. As informal co-focal points on conflict and hunger, Slovenia and Guyana prepared a joint statement on the situation in Yemen.