Today, 11 June, and tomorrow, 12 June, the Human Rights Ombudsman of the Republic of Slovenia is taking part in the Intergenerational Coexistence Days, held at the Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre (Gospodarsko razstavišče) and organised by the Slovenian Federation of Pensioners’ Associations (ZDUS).

As part of the Intergenerational Coexistence Days, the Ombudsman is present with an exhibition stand, where visitors can discuss human rights violations with the Ombudsman’s expert staff. Visitors can talk to them about the role and work of the Ombudsman, obtain information about when and how to seek assistance from the Ombudsman, and raise specific questions about possible human rights violations they may be facing.

On 11 June, Deputy Ombudsman Dr Jože Ruparčič and Deputy Ombudsman Dr Dijana Možina Zupanc took part in the Intergenerational Coexistence Days. On the sidelines of the event, Dr Možina Zupanc highlighted the most pressing issues concerning the elderly in relation to the work of the Ombudsman. “The institution of the Human Rights Ombudsman devotes considerable attention to older persons and addresses numerous complaints in this area. Unfortunately, in the course of our work, we are witnessing a growing epidemic of loneliness and abandonment among the elderly. Therefore, the Ombudsman advocates for stronger intergenerational cooperation, recognising its potential to improve the overall quality of life across all age groups. The Intergenerational Coexistence Days represent an example of good practice that merits the support of state institutions. The state must support the work of non-governmental organisations that promote intergenerational cooperation, including the Slovenian Federation of Pensioners’ Associations (ZDUS) and its ‘Seniors for Seniors’ programme, which emphasises solidarity and provides assistance to older people so they can continue to lead a dignified and high-quality life in their home environment. These are the genuine stories of intergenerational coexistence that deserve greater attention and support, as older persons represent one of the largest vulnerable groups in the European Union, all too often overlooked and discriminated against. It is my expectation that those responsible will take this into consideration and introduce concrete measures to secure a dignified status for older persons in society," emphasised Dr Možina Zupanc, Deputy Ombudsman.

Another topical issue to which the Human Rights Ombudsman devotes considerable attention is the implementation of the Long-Term Care Act. There are high expectations within society from various interest groups; however, many important questions and dilemmas remain unresolved. The Ombudsman has, on several occasions, detected concerns that the services, which beneficiaries are to acquire as of 1 July in accordance with the law, will not be available to everyone entitled to them or will be limited to those living in certain areas. In terms of safeguarding human rights and fundamental freedoms, particularly the rights to equal treatment, accessibility, and dignified ageing, the Ombudsman expects the Ministry of Solidarity-Based Future to adequately address the unresolved dilemmas and questions. The Ministry should work together with all beneficiaries of the long-term care system, as established by the new legislation, to find appropriate solutions at the earliest possible opportunity. The Ombudsman is aware of the complexity of the situation the legislator has addressed with the purpose of enhancing support for older persons, a measure that is certainly welcomed. The Ombudsman also acknowledges that the impact of the new legislation will only become apparent over time. Nevertheless, the Ombudsman is actively overseeing the implementation of the law, as it is crucial that individuals requiring assistance receive it within the established deadlines and are not subjected to unequal treatment in the procedures, as has been observed with certain other rights. The Ombudsman has already submitted an inquiry to the competent ministry and is currently awaiting their response.

During this year’s Intergenerational Coexistence Days the Ombudsman also presented an updated version of the information brochure entitled The Elderly Have Their Rights Too, which was published recently. In addition to providing key information about the rights and status of older persons in Slovenia, the brochure also raises awareness about ageism and violence against older persons, offers practical guidance on where they can seek assistance in times of hardship and difficulty, and outlines the rights introduced by the new Long-Term Care Act.