On 29 and 30 May 2023, Deputy Ombudsman Dr Jože Ruparčič, participated at the meeting of ombudspersons for children’s rights within ENOC – the European Network of Ombudspersons for Children – in Stockholm, Sweden. They discussed the independent position of ombudspersons for children’s rights in Europe and helping children in need.

Deputy Ombudsman Ruparčič presented the powers and the work of the institution of the Human Rights Ombudsman in the field of caring for the rights of children in Slovenia. He presented the benefits of the operation of the Ombudsman for Children’s Rights within the parent institution of the Human Rights Ombudsman, since this can create synergetic effects and eases the flow of information related to different issues pertaining to the position of children in numerous areas of life. He emphasised the importance of the independence of the Ombudsman for Children’s Rights, especially regarding the separation from the state authority bodies.

The ombudspersons for children’s rights devoted special attention to the position of children who find themselves in distress. The participants were especially touched by the presentation of the Ukrainian Ombudswoman for Children’s Rights who very clearly presented the extremely difficult destiny of children who find themselves in war. The issue of child refugees was also outlined in detail by representatives of Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary.

In this respect, the ombudspersons also dedicated due attention to managing mental distress among young people. Deputy Ombudsman Dr Ruparčič stressed the numerous efforts by the institution of the Human Rights Ombudsman in this field and especially highlighted the efforts in the field of peer and family violence.