Today, 10 February 2026, the new Human Rights Ombudsman, dr. Simona Drenik Bavdek formally took duties of her deputy, Ivan Šelih who, together with other deputies, had led the institution for almost a year at a time when the Ombudsman did not have a head with a full mandate.

At the handover, the new Ombudsman said that the Ombudsman would continue to respond proactively to contemporary social challenges, especially where individuals are most vulnerable, and that the institution would perform its role decisively, professionally, and independently. "As an independent national human rights institution, the Human Rights Ombudsman has the responsible task of continuously protecting, strengthening, and developing human rights and promoting humanity as a measure of legality," she said.

Deputy Ivan Šelih emphasized that the deputies had acted in accordance with their legal powers and with a high degree of responsibility to the public over the past year. During this transitional period the focus was on ensuring smooth operation, reviewing initiatives, and maintaining the independence and professionalism of the Ombudsman.

During the period without an appointed Ombudsman, the Ombudsman's institution repeatedly warned that a prolonged vacancy at its top could create the impression in the public that human rights were being pushed to the margins of social and political priorities. That is why stable, clear, and independent leadership is crucial for the credibility of the institution and the trust of the people.

The handover of duties marks the beginning of a new term for the Human Rights Ombudsman and, at the same time, confirms the continuity of the work of the Human Rights Ombudsman of the Republic of Slovenia.