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Ombudsman Svetina: "The Government should provide young people with the chance for a decent life."

In 1999, the United Nations declared 12 August International Youth Day, dedicating this day every year to discussing various issues concerning young people and calling attention to their important role in society in general. On the occasion of today’s International Youth Day, Human Rights Ombudsman Peter Svetina highlighted the importance of active citizenship, encouraging young people to engage as much as possible in decision-making processes pertaining to them at the local, national and global levels. "I call on all state decision-makers to hear their opinions and concerns and to help them face the challenges that lie ahead. I reiterate the unacceptable proliferation of precarious forms of work among young people, the lack of beds in student halls of residence and the high rents for private accommodation. All of this is having an extremely negative effect on the quality of life of young people and makes it difficult for them to become independent," said the Ombudsman.

The Ombudsman institution also called attention to the inaccessibility of housing for young people and young families, which, above all, points to the fact that the housing policy in Slovenia is far from adequate. "Young people trying to find their first home have increasingly smaller chances of purchasing their own property, while rents and other costs of living are constantly on the rise. In its most recent annual report, the Human Rights Ombudsman therefore reiterated last year’s recommendation that the competent ministry proceed with a comprehensive reform of housing legislation, particularly the Housing Act, taking into consideration all previous and current Ombudsman recommendations," added Human Rights Ombudsman Peter Svetina.

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