The Deputy Ombudsman, Dr Jože Ruparčič, attended the spring seminar of the European Network of Ombudsmen for Children (ENOC) in Luxembourg on 26 and 27 May 2025. The participants discussed children's health as a foundation for their holistic well-being and ensuring the protection of children in asylum proceedings, exchanged good practices, and formulated joint recommendations for the future work of ombudsmen who care about children's rights in Europe.

The first day was entirely dedicated to children's right to health. This is a right that, according to Article 24 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, encompasses not only the absence of disease, but also physical, mental, and social well-being. In accordance with this provision, children have the right to the highest attainable standard of health and access to health services that enable the prevention of disease and rehabilitation. ENOC, as an independent guardian of the position of children in society, therefore has the responsibility and opportunity to draw attention to shortcomings and encourage the strengthening of policies and practices that ensure equal, high-quality and comprehensive health care for all children in Europe, through a professional approach and systematic monitoring of children's health challenges. The seminar highlighted the key findings of the ENOC research, which draws attention to the numerous challenges that countries face in ensuring high-quality and accessible health care for all children, especially those from vulnerable social groups.

Within the framework of the European Network of Ombudspersons for Children ENYA, they gathered the opinions of children across Europe who expect a systematic treatment of issues of children's mental health, health inequalities, and accessibility of services in practice. The final part of the first day was dedicated to the formulation of concrete guidelines that ENOC will advocate to member states in the future, and with which it wants to contribute to sustainable solutions based on children's rights.

The second day of the seminar was held in collaboration with the European Migration Network (EMN) and was dedicated to the protection of children in asylum proceedings in light of the new European Pact on Migration and Asylum. The participants were addressed by representatives of ENOC, the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Government of Luxembourg. The discussions focused on the importance of protecting the rights of children involved in migration and asylum procedures, as this is a group of children who are often particularly vulnerable, exposed to uncertainty, trauma and the risk of violations of their fundamental rights. ENOC, together with representatives from different countries, discussed the importance of effective guardianship arrangements, access to education, health care, and psychosocial support for these children. Special attention was paid to unaccompanied children who are in particular need of protection, respectful treatment, and tailored solutions. The discussions shed light on how guardianship and quality care systems are developing in different countries and what role ombudsmen play in monitoring and improving these policies. The seminar was also enriched by a screening of a documentary film about the experiences of child asylum seekers in Luxembourg and a field visit to institutions that provide assistance to children in crisis situations.

By participating in the seminar, Deputy Ombudsman Dr Jože Ruparčič contributed to strengthening international cooperation in the field of children's rights and emphasised the importance of independent monitoring of the implementation of these rights. The event further strengthened the role of ENOC as an important interlocutor of states in the formulation of policies that should be based on the needs of children, respect for human dignity, and commitments under international law. It was emphasised that in order to effectively protect children in practice, states must not only recognise their rights, but also ensure their implementation with appropriate structures, trained experts, and targeted measures. The seminar once again showed that international cooperation is key to solving common challenges and confirmed the commitment of the Slovenian institution of the Human Rights Ombudsman to creating a child-friendly environment where every child can develop to the full extent of his or her potential.