Slovenia's Membership of the UN Human Rights Council

Slovenia on the UNHRC

We have been actively participating in the UNHRC ever since its establishment in 2006. Through Slovenia’s active membership of the UNHRC during the terms 2007–2010 and 2016–2018, we have demonstrated our commitment to protecting and promoting human rights at the global level. In 2018, the UNHRC was chaired by Slovenia’s Permanent Representative to international organisations in Geneva.

On 14 October 2025, Slovenia was elected to the UNHRC for the third time, for the 2026–2028 term. In cooperation with other UN member states, international organisations, civil society and non-governmental organisations, we aim to promote and protect all human rights. We intend to continue to advocate for the effective functioning of the UNHRC.

Together with other like-minded countries, we have sponsored UNHRC resolutions on human rights and the environment, the rights of older persons, human rights education, the rights of minorities and women in diplomacy.

Building trust. Securing future. 

Slovenia's priorities on the UNHRC

Slovenia is a country founded on respect for human rights and freedoms. Human rights have therefore occupied an important place in Slovenia's foreign policy for many years. We strive to protect, promote, further develop and codify human rights, which are universal, indivisible, inalienable and interdependent. In Slovenia's foreign policy, all rights—political, civil, economic, social and cultural—are treated as equally important. We advocate for their respect in bilateral relations, in the EU's common foreign and security policy and within international organisations.

As a member of the UNHRC, Slovenia will pay particular attention to the following topics:

Gender equality and the rights of women and girls – Slovenia strives for the full, equal and meaningful participation of women across all areas of social engagement and decision-making. The country also aims to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women and girls, as well as sexual and gender-based violence. Slovenia advocates for women’s equal rights, recognising their crucial contribution to peace, security, social progress and economic prosperity, and promotes the role of women in diplomacy. 

Human rights and the environment – As a member of the core group of sponsors of the resolution on the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, Slovenia is strengthening its commitment to this right. 

Rights of the child – Slovenia advocates respect for, and the further development of, children’s rights. It opposes attempts to curtail or undermine existing frameworks and standards, and to relativise the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Particular emphasis is placed on the active and meaningful participation of children in the work of the UNHRC. Slovenia closely monitors alarming trends of grave violations during armed conflicts and strives to ensure that these are adequately addressed in the UNHRC's debates and resolutions. 

Rights of older persons – Slovenia is committed to strengthening the human rights of older people, including by ensuring the effective operation of the intergovernmental working group and supporting the development of an international instrument on the human rights of older persons. 

Human rights education – Slovenia pays special attention to human rights education and continues its efforts within the framework of the 'Our Rights' project, which educates children about their rights. 

Rights of minorities – Slovenia pays special attention to the protection of minorities in its relations with neighbouring countries and in the multilateral arena. Ensuring the rights of all members of minorities is a priority, including national, ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities. The country also pays special attention to the situation of minorities in conflicts and to their contributions to building resilient, inclusive and peaceful communities.

About the UNHRC

The UN Human Rights Council is the most important UN body for promoting, strengthening and protecting human rights worldwide. Headquartered in Geneva, it was established in 2006 by UN General Assembly Resolution 60/251. It consists of 47 member states from all five regional groups, with each member serving a three-year term.

The UNHRC is responsible for discussing all thematic human rights issues and situations around the world that require its attention. It addresses human rights violations in countries, responds to urgent cases and makes recommendations for their resolution. The UNHRC meets three times a year in regular sessions: in spring (February–March), at the start of summer (June–July) and in autumn (September–October). If a particular human rights situation requires its immediate attention, the UNHRC may also convene a special session at the request of at least one-third of its members.

Other mechanisms operate within the UNHRC framework, such as the Universal Periodic Review and special procedures addressing thematic issues and the human rights situation in specific countries. Working groups established by the UNHRC hold discussions and draft proposals for new human rights standards and instruments.