On 26 March, Human Rights Ombudsman Peter Svetina met with the Minister of Justice Andreja Katič.

Last year, the Human Rights Ombudsman received the most complaints in the field of civil procedures and the course of judicial proceedings, while many complainants were also dissatisfied with court decisions. “We received many complaints about the partiality of individual judges. Often, complainants expect us to overturn court decisions which is, naturally, outside our jurisdiction. However, in our answers we explain the legal options they have at their disposal as a party in the proceeding,” clarified the Ombudsman.

The Ombudsman deemed the responding of those responsible in the consideration of complaints as good, and also believes that trial within a reasonable time no longer presents a systemic problem. Nevertheless, he pointed out several unrealised past recommendations, especially regarding better accessibility of free legal aid. He is also striving for the realisation of the Constitutional Court’s decision regarding the elimination of discrepancies in the regulation of the salary position of judges.

During the meeting, both the Ombudsman and the Minister pointed out that the persisting challenge remains increasing the trust of the public in the work of judiciary and that unsubstantiated discreditations in no manner contribute to that. They emphasised that in order for the courts to function successfully, we must continue to strive for the improvement of legislation, since it is the foundation for the work of the judicial branch of government, as well as for the elimination of spatial and staffing problems within the judiciary.