Since its independence in 1991, Slovenia promotes human rights, the rule of law and democracy.
Slovenia is committed to a just and peaceful international order and supports the peaceful settlement of disputes and of mechanisms for conflict prevention, including mediation, arbitration and international judiciary bodies. Slovenia is a staunch supporter of the protection of populations from genocide, crimes against humanity, ethnic cleansing, war crimes, and other international crimes.
As a candidate for the non-permanent membership in the UN Security Council for 2024-2025, Slovenia is actively addressing the challenges related to international peace and security within the UN. As candidate, it pledged to be a positive and harmonious driving force for partnerships among nations.
The fight against impunity for international crimes has been one of Slovenia’s priority since it itself witnessed atrocities during the breakup of the former Yugoslavia. It is a founding member of the International Criminal Court and has assisted in several process to enhance international response to mass atrocities. It also co-leads the MLA Initiative, along with Argentina, Belgium, Mongolia, The Netherlands and Senegal, for the adoption of the Convention on International Cooperation in the Investigation and Prosecution of Genocide, Crimes against Humanity, War Crimes and other International Crimes.
Slovenia joined GAAMAC for its ability to reach out to different actors to prevent atrocity crimes, respecting civilizational values for the stability of societies and international peace.
Slovenia’s commitment to R2P
Slovenia has been a supporter of the responsibility to protect (R2P) principle since the diplomatic negotiations for the UN Outcome World Document in 2005, when the principle was adopted by consensus by all Heads of State and Government.
The Government of Slovenia appointed its first national R2P Focal Point in 2011 with the aim to coordinate and represent Slovenia’s positions, including in response to crisis situations in the international environment.
The Law Faculty of the University of Ljubljana, with the support of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, organizes bi-annual international conferences “R2P in Theory and Practice” since 2013. Their objective offers scholars and practitioners to engage in an interdisciplinary debate on theoretical in practical implications of the R2P principle. Following Slovenia’s adhesion, GAAMAC will be presented at the 2023 conference.
“The international community has to work more effectively to protect populations from mass atrocity crimes. We believe that Slovenia can contribute to atrocity prevention in this platform for dialogue and discussion by actors that are States, academic institutions and other civil society organizations.”
Ambassador Blanka Jamnišek, Slovenian Responsibility to Protect Focal Point
