On Tuesday, 14 November 2023, Human Rights Ombudsman Peter Svetina visited two municipalities in Prekmurje, where he met with their mayors and opened the Ombudsman’s Corners.

In his talks with the mayors of Moravske Toplice and Beltinci, the Ombudsman touched on the challenges and most pressing issues the municipalities face. He assured both mayors that he will act with the bodies responsible within his competences.

Accompanied by the mayors, he also opened and presented the Ombudsman’s Corner in both municipalities. In 45 Slovenian municipalities, where the Ombudsman’s Corner is already present, the websites have a subpage for the Ombudsman’s Corner, where all information about the Ombudsman and the complaint form are available also in digital form. The purpose of Ombudsman’s Corners is to familiarise citizens in detail about when and how they can turn to the Ombudsman, when the Ombudsman can help, and when he cannot intervene with their problem since it is not within his jurisdiction. Every year, the institution of the Ombudsman receives several thousand letters and complaints from people asking for help because they believe their rights have been violated. “Last year we considered almost six thousand matters, which is much more than before the pandemic. The matters considered pertained to violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms, principles of good governance, and justice. Such complaints are thoroughly considered and we prepare appropriate responses. We pay special attention to the violation of children’s rights, disability rights, rights of the elderly, foreigners, and other groups of inhabitants,” highlighted Ombudsman Svetina.