Slovenia Reaffirms the Right to Self-Determination
New York (United Nations) 31 October 2025 (SPS) – Slovenia has restated that the right to self-determination is guaranteed by the UN Charter and cannot be revoked by the Security Council or its Member States.
Statement by Ambassador Samuel Žbogar
Following the Security Council vote to renew the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), Ambassador Samuel Žbogar, Slovenia's Permanent Representative to the UN, highlighted the importance of this right.
“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 also clarified Slovenia's position on the status of Western Sahara:
“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.’”
Support for MINURSO
Slovenia voted in favor of the resolution because of its strong support for MINURSO and the United Nations' role in the region.
“We believe that MINURSO is a critical stabilising and monitoring presence, and we welcome that its mandate has been renewed for one year.”
Key Points
- The right to self-determination is protected under the UN Charter and is non-negotiable.
- Slovenia views Western Sahara as a non-self-governing territory, without recognizing any sovereignty decision in the latest resolution.
- MINURSO's mandate, vital for stability and monitoring, has been extended for another year.
Author's summary: Slovenia emphasizes the inalienable right to self-determination, supports MINURSO’s peacekeeping role, and regards Western Sahara as a non-self-governing territory without changing its sovereignty status.