New York (United Nations) 31 October 2025 (SPS) – Slovenia reaffirmed that the right to self-determination, is enshrined in the UN Charter and cannot be taken from any people, neither by the Security Council nor by Member States.
Speaking after the Security Council vote renewing the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) yesterday, Ambassador Samuel Žbogar, Permanent Representative of Slovenia to the United Nations, emphasized that this right is clearly recognized and guaranteed in the adopted resolution.
“The right to self-determination, put simply ‘the freedom to choose for oneself,’ is enshrined in the UN Charter. It is a right that cannot be taken from any people, not by the Security Council, and not by Member States. We welcome that this right is clearly recognised and guaranteed in today’s Resolution,” Ambassador Žbogar stated.
“We are also clear that we do not interpret the text adopted today as taking any decision regarding the question of sovereignty. My delegation continues to view Western Sahara as a ‘non-self-governing territory.’”
“Slovenia voted in favour of the Resolution presented today. We did so because of our steadfast support for MINURSO and for the role of the United Nations. We believe that MINURSO is a critical stabilising and monitoring presence, and we welcome that its mandate has been renewed for one year,” Ambassador Žbogar explained.
Slovenia also stressed the need for consultations among the parties on an equal footing to advance a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable solution, particularly as the fiftieth anniversary of the conflict approaches.
The Slovenian delegation reaffirmed its support for the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General, Staffan de Mistura, Special Representative Ivanko, and all actors working to drive discussions forward, aiming for peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.
Furthermore, Slovenia acknowledged that, although full consensus on the resolution was not achieved, continued political dialogue in good faith and on an inclusive basis remains essential to reach a final solution that respects the Sahrawi people’s rights.
Slovenia implicitly criticized the lack of democracy in the consultations that preceded the adoption of the text because of the US insistence on dominating the drafting of the resolution.
“We had hoped that this renewal could achieve consensus, thus setting up future talks for the best possible success. We appreciate that throughout the course of negotiations the text continued to evolve and to improve, and that some concerns were accommodated, albeit in the end not to the extent that it reflected the totality of members’ positions,” Slovenian Ambassador regretted.
“While a consensual adoption has not been the case, we hope in earnest that progress on the political track can still be achieved. We encourage all parties to engage in good faith and with open minds, and to put forward all ideas and suggestions to support a final, mutually acceptable solution.”
Through this explanation of vote, Slovenia reaffirmed its principled support for a fair, lasting, and inclusive resolution of the Western Sahara conflict, placing the right to self-determination and the respect of the Sahrawi people’s sovereignty over their land and future at the center of any solution.(SPS)
090/500/60 (SPS)
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