The representative of the Human Rights Ombudsman, Dr Kornelija Marzel, attended the first national event of the Unity project, Na glas za nas, in Slovenj Gradec on Thursday, 5 June 2025
At the first event, which was attended by the Ombudsman, representatives of the Advocate of the Principle of Equality, and the Ministry of Solidarity-Based Future, self-advocates discussed democracy and rights in Slovenia. They expressed their wishes and complaints and were determined to be independent and to receive the necessary support in making important life decisions, living in a community, exercising the right to vote, and receiving fair pay for their work.
Dr Kornelija Marzel informed the audience about the Ombudsman's activities and efforts for equal treatment of all individuals in society, about the Ombudsman's Special Report on the accessibility of social work centres for people with physical and sensory disabilities, and about the analysis of the accessibility of government and ministry premises for people with physical and sensory disabilities. The interlocutors were unanimous that, despite existing legislation and international standards that impose equal opportunities for people with disabilities, the accessibility of public facilities is still not sufficient.
She also presented an information leaflet on the Ombudsman in “easy-reading” style, which is intended for all those who have difficulty understanding complex texts due to their disabilities. The leaflet was prepared in cooperation with the Risa Institute and contains information on when and how individuals can contact the Ombudsman, what the Ombudsman can and cannot do, and how the procedure for submitting a complaint works.
The participants also discussed inadequate legislation that ties disability status solely to a medical diagnosis, without taking into account the individual's barriers to integration into life and the exercise of their human rights. According to the interlocutors, such a model is contrary to international standards and should be changed immediately.
They also pointed out problems due to the inadequate translation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which both the Ombudsman and the Advocate of the Principle of Equality have repeatedly pointed out.
The discussion also focused on changes to housing legislation and the area of personal assistance, as well as the planned implementation of the Long-Term Care Act.
The participants concluded the meeting with the desire and expectation of mutual respect and consideration, which is often lacking in the treatment of persons with disabilities by public officials and others. They also advocated for such a regulation that would actually enable persons with disabilities, with the support of key people, to make independent decisions and live independently. They also highlighted the need for equal opportunities for obtaining public housing, employment, and fair pay for work performed.
