News

International Holocaust Remembrance Day marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, a concentration camp that remains one of the most harrowing reminders of Nazi atrocities. Slovenia, an active member of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), which is marking its 25th anniversary, recently submitted its second periodic report.

The first United Nations human rights treaty – the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide – was adopted on 9 December 1948, one day before the adoption of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights on 10 December 1948.

The Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee, the so-called Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly, which deals mainly with human rights issues, has concluded its session in New York. During its session, which began on 3 October, the Committee again addressed a wide range of thematic issues and human rights situations around the world.

State Secretary Dr Melita Gabrič participated in the UN Security Council Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security in New York, where she advocated for the greater inclusion of women in peace processes, enhanced funding for women's organisations at the local level and reinforced accountability for severe violations of the rights of women and girls in conflict zones.

The UN General Assembly Third Committee on Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Affairs, which deals with human rights issues, is meeting in New York from 3 October 2024. Slovenia has traditionally focused its work on its priorities, such as the rights of women, the elderly and children, human rights and the environment, and the situation of human rights worldwide.

The 57th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), which began on 9 September 2024, concluded today in Geneva. The UNHRC unanimously adopted a resolution on human rights education proposed by Slovenia in cooperation with a group of countries from different world regions.

Today marks the International Day of Older Persons, celebrated annually. This year’s theme is ''Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide.”

On 18 July 2024, Slovenia became a member of the Freedom Online Coalition (FOC), marking an important milestone in its commitment to upholding human rights and fundamental freedoms, including those online, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. By joining the Coalition, Slovenia affirms its commitment to promoting and protecting digital rights and freedoms.

Today, the world observes the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict to honour the victims and stand in solidarity with the survivors of this horrific human rights violation and abuse. The United Nations General Assembly chose this day to commemorate the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1820 (2008), which condemns the use of sexual violence as a tactic of war and an impediment to peacebuilding.

This year, the theme of the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia is “No one left behind: Equality, freedom and justice for all”, which highlights the need for equality and respect for all people, regardless of their circumstances. As stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights".

The 55th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council unanimously adopted two resolutions on the extension of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, and on the rights of minorities, which Slovenia had proposed/filed jointly with two groups of countries.

The 55th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) opened in Geneva and will run until 5 April 2024. Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon participated in the high-level segment of the session with a video message, presenting Slovenia's views on the current situation of human rights around the world and the session’s priority themes.

EU development ministers held an informal meeting in Brussels under the Belgian Presidency of the EU Council to discuss EU development cooperation for the coming years, human rights mainstreaming and the situation in Gaza. Edvin Skrt, Director-General for development cooperation, attended the meeting.