The Human Rights Ombudsman of the Republic of Slovenia (Ombudsman) expresses deep concern over the violent death of a Novo mesto man and expresses sincere condolences to the relatives of the deceased and the local community in the wake of this tragic event, which has shocked and affected the public. The Ombudsman strongly condemns all violence and warns that it threatens fundamental human rights – the right to life, security, and dignity – and undermines people's trust in institutions. The Ombudsman expects the competent authorities to thoroughly investigate the incident and take appropriate action, and the state to adopt measures to strengthen the safety of residents and prevent violence. The right to security is one of the fundamental pillars of trust in the rule of law, which is why creating conditions for the safety and protection of people is of key importance.

The Ombudsman stresses that this tragedy unfortunately reveals deeper social and systemic problems that are the result of decades of ineffective state policy in the field of Roma issues, in which, not least, various government and national assembly formations have aligned themselves. This is not just an isolated case, but a painful reminder of how far the long-term inaction of the state, unfulfilled promises, and the lack of concrete measures can lead. The Ombudsman has been warning for many years that the lack of sustainable and inclusive measures, ghettoisation, spatial and social segregation, and unequal opportunities deepen differences, strengthen distrust, and make coexistence impossible.

Outbreaks of violence are a reflection of systemic shortcomings – unrealised integration, lack of long-term support in education, employment and housing, and weak cooperation between institutions. This event is therefore not just a tragic incident, but a warning alarm for an urgent and thorough renewal of the approach of all those responsible not only to the Roma issue but also to a broader understanding of security, social cohesion, and the prevention of violence in society.

The Ombudsman reiterates that no habit or custom of any ethnic community can be used as an excuse for unlawful acts. The special rights that, for example, the Roma community is granted by Article 65 of the Constitution of the Republic of Slovenia do not mean protection from liability for unlawful conduct, but are intended to ensure equal opportunities and preserve cultural identity. In the area of ​​criminal law, as a last resort, we are and must all be equal before the law. The police must therefore effectively protect every individual and respond decisively to all forms of violence, misdemeanours, or criminal acts. At the same time, responsibility for the actions of individuals must not fall on the entire community.

The Ombudsman, as so many times before, draws attention to the numerous recommendations related to Roma issues, which the institution repeats unsuccessfully year after year in its annual reports. Measures to improve the situation of the Roma community are not bringing progress – on the contrary, the situation is worsening in some places, as the state is clearly not monitoring its policies systematically or responsibly.

Taking objective responsibility is important, but individual ministerial resignations cannot replace the systemic responsibility of the state. This cannot be a mere political gesture, but it is the duty of those who govern the state to prevent the repetition of mistakes that lead to lost lives.

The Ombudsman therefore appeals to the government, the competent ministries and all those responsible to stop covering up the consequences and finally start eliminating the causes. Every day of delay means more lost trust, more division, and more risk of tragedies. The state must ensure safe coexistence and protection of the rights of everyone, regardless of ethnicity, social or personal circumstances of the individual, through decisive, well-considered, and inclusive measures.

The Ombudsman recalls that the problems and conditions in this area have worsened over the course of the most diverse formations of governments and parliaments, and the current situation therefore goes beyond the current political arena. At the same time, the Ombudsman also calls on all individuals, political parties, and public actors not to exploit the tragedy to spread hatred and intolerance, and appeals to the competent authorities to carry out their work quickly, thoroughly, and effectively. Only responsible conduct of institutions can (re)consolidate people's trust in their work.