Position paper for Slovenia
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | Consolidation of peace through practical disarmament measures |
| Paper text: | |
| The United Nations recorded more than 33,000 civilian deaths in armed conflict in 2023, a number that has increased by 72 percent from 2022. Practical measures to advance disarmament are essential to protect civilians and promote peace. Slovenia has supported initiatives to implement and strengthen restrictions on conventional weapons, notably by being a contracting party to the Convention on Prohibition or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) and by being among the most active countries in the conclusion of the Ottawa Convention. Slovenia believes these treaty-based measures restricting certain types of conventional weapons are necessary for promoting peace, and recommends that similar measures be extended to autonomous weapons. Slovenia recommends expanding the scope of the Arms Trade Treaty to include these weapons to increase global stability and lower the dangers that these weapons pose to civilians. Slovenia also participates in international export regimes, such as the Wassenaar Arrangement, which attempts to increase transparency and responsibility in transferring conventional weapons. A key goal of these initiatives is to prevent such weapons from falling into the hands of terrorists. Slovenia recommends focus be put on suitable measures for more effective state control of conventional weapons and preventing illegal trafficking. Effective state control allows the upholding of the right of a state to defend itself, while also preventing weapons from reaching non-state actors, such as terrorists. With this in mind, Slovenia encourages promoting increased membership in initiatives that support the exchange of information on deliveries of conventional weapons to address the underlying causes of conflict. Only through such measures promoting disarmament and arms control can peace and security be maintained. | |
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | Implementation of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction |
| Paper text: | |
| Slovenia calls for the continued prohibition of the development, production, stockpiling, and use of chemical weapons. Since 1997, Slovenia has been a member of the CWC agreements, serving as the executive counsel for the program, vice chair of the Eastern European Regional Group, and board member of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). Slovenia stands in solidarity with those who have been killed or harmed by the use of chemical weapons and supports all efforts to curb the use of these weapons for any reason. The destruction seen from these weapons throughout history and currently in Ukraine emphasizes its stance on the prohibition of all chemical weapons across the globe. To achieve this goal, Slovenia encourages the funding of programs such as OPCW and CWC to continue their work in providing information related to the use and manufacturing of these chemical weapons. We also encourage the continued expansion of the Centre for Chemistry and Technology to expand our knowledge on this dangerous chemical to help those whose deadly and devastating effects have been impacted. Furthermore, Slovenia proposes harsher sanctions to those who do not comply with the regulations implemented by the board, such is the case with Syria and Russia, as we believe that those who do not comply with the regulations are highly dangerous to the world's safety. To ensure the production of these weapons, Slovenia also calls for the creation of more in-depth investigations to determine the locations of chemical weapons as well as the use of INTERPOL to halt the illegal trade of these weapons. In conclusion, Slovenia once again calls for the prohibition of these deadly and barbarous weapons in all capacities, encourages heavier sanctions and repercussions for those who violate these regulations, and supports the growth of research and education about these weapons to protect ourselves and our fellow UN members better. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Agriculture development, food security and nutrition |
| Paper text: | |
| The UN has paid close attention to agricultural development and food security in the past decade. The most recent State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report laid out that 122 million people have fallen into hunger in the past year. It has emphasized that the efforts to create more sustainable food practices remains off track. While this latest report does illustrate key initiatives to solve the issues at hand, there has been no legitimate effort made by the UN to resolve these matters. No serious focus or effort has been devoted to the issue. Instead, the UN continues to talk around the issue of food security and suggest various frameworks and partnerships, rather than take action. Slovenia views agriculture and food security as essential components of economic development, especially in todays context of climate change's effects on food production. The country prioritizes sustainable farming practices and the quality of food, emphasizing that food security must address both availability and nutritional value. Slovenias Common Agricultural Policy adheres to EU standards by promoting sustainable land management, biodiversity, and a transition to green energy in agriculture. On the global stage, Slovenia is committed to assisting nations grappling with food insecurity with a multi-faceted approach. This includes sharing sustainable agricultural practices across countries. Support for smallholder farmers is a huge focus, along with advocating for the incorporation of technology to increase crop yields with as little harm to the environment as possible. Slovenia believes that ensuring food security is a collective global responsibility. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Development cooperation with middle-income countries |
| Paper text: | |
| The UN has been going to great lengths to support the development of middle-income countries (MIC) in recent years. It has made efforts to engage in advocating for reforms that support the development of MICs. As well as creating new metrics and systems of analysis that provide better exploration of MIC conditions. All this on top of stimulus funds and across the board cooperation has shown UN dedication to the development of MICs. Until 2007, Slovenia was a middle-income country. Slovenia appreciates the complexities these nations encounter, including the need for ongoing economic growth alongside social equity and sustainability. The country has been committed to supporting the development of MICs ever since that time. It has supported sectors like social infrastructure, refugee support, and debt action through NGOs and multi-year funding projects. Slovenia has always believed in those on top lifting up those on the bottom to promote stability and development throughout the EU. Slovenia asserts that development cooperation with MICs must be adaptable and sensitive to local contexts. The nation is committed to finding creative financing options and helping build the skills necessary for MICs to tackle their key challenges, particularly in health, education, and environmental sustainability. This will take sophisticated networks of knowledge and information transfer, as well as non-partisan cooperation to provide fair and sufficient support. This delegation also believes in the importance of fostering partnerships between MICs and high-income countries to facilitate the sharing of technology and knowledge. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Rights of indigenous peoples |
| Paper text: | |
| The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) serves as a universal framework for safeguarding the survival, dignity, and well-being of Indigenous communities worldwide. It highlights minimum standards for respecting Indigenous rights, elaborating on fundamental freedoms to address specific challenges faced by these communities. Slovenia, a nation with a strong Slovene majority and indigenous minorities like Italians and Hungarians, has embraced the UNDRIP's principles within its constitutional protections. Following World War I, most Slovene territories joined the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes (Former Yugoslavia). Though a smaller Slovene population remained in Italy, Hungary in Austria; the majority of Slovenia's population is Slovene (over 83%) according to Slovenia last Census. Slovenia's constitution, adopted in 1911, recognizes Italians and Hungarian as indigenous minorities, guaranteeing them representation in the National Assembly and cultural rights. Slovenia ensures rights to self-identity for ethnic groups, and preserve cultural heritage, with protections against discrimination irrespective of race, nationality, or religion. Slovenia stresses United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples for all countries to comply as a tool that establishes a universal framework of minimum standards for the survival, dignity, and well-being of the Indigenous Peoples of the world, and it elaborates on existing human rights standards and fundamental freedoms as they apply to the specific situation of Indigenous Peoples. And as for the EU state members, Slovenia calls for the compliance with directives on equal treatment, which broaden anti-discrimination protections across Europe, covering direct and indirect, and hidden discrimination as well as harassment for minorities groups. Slovenia recognizes the need to address the impact of colonialism on indigenous communities and respect and promote their right to self-determination. Slovenia is willing to work with other states and non-profit organizations to continue to address the challenges indigenous people face. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Literacy for life |
| Paper text: | |
| As a nation committed to inclusive and lifelong learning, Slovenia acknowledges literacy as a fundamental right and a key to sustainable development. We affirm our commitment to UN Resolution 69/141 and the United Nations Literacy Decade, recognizing literacy as an essential skill for individual empowerment, social inclusion, and participation in the global economy. In Slovenia, lifelong learning is embedded in national policy, supported by frameworks such as the Lifelong Learning Strategy (2007), which ensures that educational opportunities are available to people of all ages and backgrounds. Guided by principles of accessibility and adaptability, The country has integrated these values into its White Paper on Education (2011) and National Strategy for Reading Literacy (2019-2030), emphasizing the need for tailored, flexible learning pathways. Slovenia has actively developed public networks and programs to foster literacy and skills development, including Study Groups, Knowledge Exchanges, and Lifelong Learning Weeks. These initiatives enable citizens to improve their literacy in various contexts, from digital proficiency to vocational training. Recognizing literacy's impact on economic and social participation, Slovenia promotes policies that align learning with employability and active citizenship. To address global literacy challenges, Slovenia encourages increased collaboration among member states, especially in supporting regions with limited access to educational resources. Slovenia advocates for strengthening partnerships between the UN, UNESCO, and NGOs to advance literacy initiatives and fund adaptable learning programs globally. Slovenia believes that only through international cooperation and a shared commitment to lifelong education can we build a truly inclusive and knowledge-based society. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | The human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment |
| Paper text: | |
| Slovenia affirms the belief in the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. As mentioned in a statement by the United Nations Expert on Human Rights, Water and Sanitation (Visit to Slovenia, 24-28 May 2010), Slovenia is aware and working towards providing access to sanitation and clean water for all residents; especially vulnerable and minority communities. Slovenia recognizes the importance in clean water and proper sanitation in supporting health and human flourishing and affirm the duty of all nations to provide such basic resources to their populace. Furthermore, Slovenia recognizes the importance of environmental sustainability and supports efforts to protect such within its own borders. In response to growing tourism, Slovenia created the GSST (GREEN SCHEME OF SLOVENIAN TOURISM) in order to ensure sustainability alongside the growing market. This process ensures that land is sustainably used, monitored in order to protect the what has been considered the highest concentration of animal and plant species per square kilometre in the world, distribute sustainability services providers, and to promote Slovenias mission of environmental sustainability. 37.87% of Slovenias surface area is considered protected land and regularly monitored in order to protect its many indigenous species and diverse environments. Slovenia has further integrated sustainability into its society through national standardize for sustainability education across all levels of education. This education ensures that citizens develop with an awareness and appreciation for the value of sustainability and will reflect these values in their own careers. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | Safety and security of humanitarian personnel and protection of United Nations personnel |
| Paper text: | |
| It is our intention to fulfill our duty as a member of the EU, NATO and the UN to provide support for our allies in need. Slovenia is ready and willing to dedicate military personnel and resources to aid in the protection of humanitarian and United Nations personnel. Slovenias dedication for such is reflected in, our previous deployment of SAF members to international operations and missions in Kosovo, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Syria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Serbia, Mali, EU NAVFOR MED, Iraq OIR and Latvia and ongoing military training assistance in Ukraine. Slovenia affirms the sovereignty of Ukraine and its right to defensive action against Russian occupation. In recognition of the vulnerability and risk associated with military reliance on larger states (i.e. the USA) and the growing threat possessed by the Russian Federation, Slovenia has begun the process of developing a stronger domestic military procurement base. This development has allowed Slovenia to reach its military defense spending target of 2% of GDP (as set by our NATO commitment). Further development will likely grow following the results of the US election of 2024, following concerns regarding the possible withdrawal of US military support. Acknowledging the importance of military experience in national and European defense, Slovenia is open to dedicating military personnel to assist in active conflict zones. | |
| Committee: | ECOSOC |
| Topic: | Empowering people and ensuring inclusiveness and equality |
| Paper text: | |
| As a newly minted member of the Economic and Social Council, Slovenia recognizes the importance of ensuring inclusiveness and equality, sustainable development can only be achieved through comprehensive policies that prioritize the well-being of all individuals, regardless of their background, nationality, or economic status. Slovenia acknowledges that adequate housing and quality education are fundamental human rights. The nation supports initiatives that: Expand Affordable Housing: We must create policies that enable access to secure and affordable housing for marginalized communities. Inclusive Education Systems: We must create inclusive and adaptive educational systems that promote lifelong learning and provide equal opportunities for all, regardless of socioeconomic background. Our schools should be palaces. Every community is different and we must understand that no umbrella solution can solve all of the world's problems in these areas. We must Strengthen community-based initiatives that promote social integration and cross-cultural understanding because communities know what is best for them, and we must empower them to improve as much as possible. | |
| Committee: | ECOSOC |
| Topic: | Science, technology and innovation for development |
| Paper text: | |
| Slovenia recognizes that science, technology, and innovation play pivotal roles in driving
sustainable development and addressing global challenges. Slovenia is committed to
bridging technological gaps and promoting ethical advancements.
The digital divide remains a significant barrier to inclusive development. Slovenia advocates
for:
Massive Investments in Technology Infrastructure, such as supporting investment in
underdeveloped regions to ensure widespread internet access and technological tools, via
broadband or Starlink.
Investments in technological literacy programs, and Implement educational initiatives to
improve digital skills among youth and underserved populations.
We also need to address the elephant in the room, the ever-growing power and market
share of AI, we must implement an International AI Oversight Body, an international
regulatory body to oversee the development and deployment of AI, ensuring it respects
human rights, mitigate biases, and protects data privacy. Once that body is in place Slovenia
plans to advocate for AI regulations that prioritize transparency, accountability, and fairness
in AI algorithms, which seems like basic principles most countries can agree upon.
| |
| Committee: | SC |
| Topic: | The War in Ukraine |
| Paper text: | |
| When it comes to the War on Ukraine, the delegation of Slovenia firmly condemns the
Russian Federations aggression against the sovereign state of Ukraine and calls for
increased accountability mechanisms to comprehensively address Russias repeated
violations of UN Charter Article 2(4), the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment
of the Crime of Genocide, and the Geneva Convention. Slovenia finds Russias destruction
of civil infrastructure and displacement of over 8 million people firmly in violation of
international law. These actions are truly devastating and indicate a clear intention to
decimate Ukraine.
Slovenia strongly emphasizes humanitarian aid, collecting material aid in the months
following Russias invasion in 2022 and sending it to Ukraine with the help of the
Administration of the Republic of Slovenia for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief.
Furthermore, Slovenia has welcomed 11,700 Ukrainian refugees as of June 1st, 2024,
providing them with food, housing, education, and financial aid. In regards to education,
Slovenia has provided hundreds of displaced Ukrainian children to continue their education
from the kindergarten level to university. These students are automatically given the same
rights as Slovenian and EU citizens and benefit from state-provided Slovenian language
courses, books, and school meals.
Today, Slovenia continues to advocate for the millions of people either displaced because of
or trapped in the crossfire of Russias invasion of Ukraine. The delegation of Slovenia heavily
encourages the continuation of UN-provided aid to Ukraine that covers humanitarian and
military needs, along with the furthered punishment of Russia for its complete and utter lack
of care for the people suffering at their hands. Russia must be held accountable for its crimes
against the Ukrainian people.
| |
| Committee: | SC |
| Topic: | The Middle East & the Israeli-Hamas War |
| Paper text: | |
| Furthermore, the delegation of Slovenia stands strongly in its promotion of the common good and emphasis on accountability for member states in violation of international humanitarian law. Slovenia For this reason, as of June 2024, Slovenia officially recognizes the statehood of Palestine and condemns Israeli military officials for their continued and indiscriminate genocide of Gazan civilians. A permanent and immediate ceasefire is the moral duty of the United Nations Security Council, especially as Israel expands their military involvement into Lebanon and risks further civilian lives. To be exceedingly clear: Slovenia condemns the immoral and despicable actions of both the Israeli government and Hamas combatants. For this reason, Slovenia urges this body to center human lives and progress toward peace in this session's discussions. Not only does Slovenia support the expansion of United Nations Peacekeeping efforts in the area, but also the development of further accountability mechanisms for the human rights abuses committed by the Israeli Defense Force, expanded refugee support programs in the area, and the recognition of a right to return for displaced Palestinian refugees. The response from the international community must be unified and clear: warmongering and aggression against civilians will not be tolerated. In its stance, Slovenia specifically is guided by its participation in the ongoing International Court of Justice case brought against Israel by South Africa. Our nation strongly supports sanctions of Israel under the Genocide Convention as well as legal prosecution against West Bank settlers. In this body, Slovenia looks for meaningful solutions to address the active humanitarian abuses occurring in the Middle East and create lasting peace in the region. | |
| Committee: | WHA |
| Topic: | Global Strategy for Women's, Children's and Adolescents' Health |
| Paper text: | |
| Slovenia fully supports the Global Strategy for Womens, Childrens, and Adolescents Health, recognizing the importance of comprehensive health care for these vulnerable groups. Slovenia aligns itself with the objectives of this strategy, viewing this initiative as essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3 focusing on good health and Goal 5 focusing on gender equality. In order to promote Slovenia advocates for universal health coverage, ensuring that essential health services are accessible to everyone, including women, children, and adolescents, without causing financial hardship. Our well-established public healthcare system serves as a model for integrating services for reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health (RMNCAH). Slovenia promotes policies that expand access to affordable and quality healthcare, particularly in low-income and underserved areas, through investing in health infrastructure, strengthening healthcare workforce capacity by training healthcare workers to address the specific needs of women and adolescents, and ensuring access to a full range of maternal health services. On an international scale, Slovenia advocates for the importance of addressing the social determinants of health which directly affect womens and childrens health outcomes. We champion eliminating harmful gender-based practices, such as child marriage and promoting reproductive education for girls and women. In order to ensure the success of RMNCAH based movements, we must first tackle the societal issues that prevent better access to health resources, and provide global health infrastructure once those issues are dealt with. | |
| Committee: | WHA |
| Topic: | Public health dimension of the world drug problem |
| Paper text: | |
| Addiction is a powerful neurological disorder. Whether it be gambling, alcohol, or substances, many individuals turn to vices in order to deal with the hardships of life. As a largely mental issue, Slovenia believes that mental health resources are the best way to tackle the global drug problem. But to We advocate for ensuring that individuals struggling with drug addiction have access to quality treatment and rehabilitation services. Slovenia supports the integration of drug treatment into public health systems, making it accessible to all who need it. This includes providing evidence-based treatment programs, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Medically-assisted detoxification has also been shown to have positive effects on users, helping to wean them off narcotics. In conjunction with these programs, mental health services must be expanded to help prevent more people from falling into substance abuse, and keeping recovering addicts from falling back into harmful habits. Lastly, Slovenia advocates for the decriminalization of personal drug use, focusing on treatment and social support rather than criminal penalties for people with addiction issues. The drug epidemic is a consequence of a lack of support within our societies, and only by providing networks of support and understanding can we begin to fight back against drugs. | |
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