On 15 November 2023, Human Rights Ombudsman Peter Svetina met with the Vice-President of the European Parliament Marc Angel and the European Commissioner for Equality Helena Dalli, both of whom were invited and accompanied to Slovenia by the Member of the European Parliament Dr Milan Brglez. At the meeting, at which they were joined also by the Head of the Representation of the European Commission in Slovenia Dr Jerneja Jug Jerše, Ombudsman Svetina presented the work and activities of the Human Rights Ombudsman of the Republic of Slovenia, which is the Slovenian national human rights institution, and the main challenges in protecting human rights with a special emphasis on equality. Svetina also acquainted them with the work he does in the international sphere as the Vice-President of the Association of Mediterranean Ombudsmen and a Director for Europe in the International Ombudsman Institute.

Svetina explained that the institution of the Ombudsman considered almost six thousand matters and discovered 222 violations of human rights last year alone. He added that the violation of the principle of good governance is still one of the most pressing issues. He especially emphasised the role of the Ombudsman as the national human rights institution in raising awareness about human rights. He announced that with this purpose in mind, on 23 November they are preparing a panel on human rights in business and industry, at which participants will discuss the responsibility of companies for the protection of human rights and their impact on the environment and climate change along the entire value chain. “A great part of the discussion will be dedicated to the proposal of the Directive on corporate sustainability due diligence, which was presented by the European Commission last winter. I believe that a strong European legal framework protecting human rights and the environment is necessary,” he added.

In the field of equality before the law and prohibition of discrimination, the institution of the Ombudsman in 2022 considered 106 matters, of which 82 were complaints from people who believed that their rights have been violated in this area – eight of them were justified. Ombudsman Svetina also informed the participants of the main points of the Special Report on the Accessibility of Centres for Social Work for People with Movement and Sensory Impairments and saluted the efforts of the Ministry of Justice for the elimination of architectonic obstacles at court premises, in accordance with the Equalisation of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities Act. He also expressed hope that courts will bear in mind his recommendation given in 2022 to adopt special measures for providing accessibility of websites and mobile apps of the courts for the purpose of easier access to information for all users, especially people with disabilities. Simultaneously, he recalled his efforts for non-discrimination of elderly people in online accessibility of services, as well as all other groups who, due to their positions, are not skilled in this form of communication. He highlighted that as the ambassador for easy reading he strives for bodies and institutions to also provide users with basic information in an easy-to-read form, while he acquainted his distinguished guests with the results of the analysis regarding access to medical services which he will introduce to the public shortly.