Slovenia shares the concerns over the impact of explosive weapons on civili...

Slovenia shares the concerns over the impact of explosive weapons on civilians, in particular when used in densely populated areas. We are also deeply concerned about the tremendous challenges still arising from the presence of mines and other unexploded ordnance, which continue to constitute an obstacle to the return of refugees and other displaced persons, humanitarian aid operations, reconstruction and economic development, as well as the restoration of normal social conditions. They have serious and lasting social and economic consequences for the populations of mine-affected countries. Slovenia is active in the area of mine action, especially through the International Trust Fund for Demining and Mine Victims Assistance, established by the Slovenian Government. Let me conclude by stressing that the international community should not and must not be indifferent to the plight of civilians in armed conflict.