Inaugural meeting of the Council of the Human Rights Ombudswoman
The Council held its first meeting today, marking the start of Human Rights Ombudswoman Dr Simona Drenik Bavdek’s term in office and the beginning of the Council’s third term. The Council members were introduced to the legal framework governing the Council’s work and reviewed the draft work programme. They also agreed on the substantive priorities and working methods for the coming years.
In her opening address, Dr Simona Drenik Bavdek emphasized the importance of professional dialogue and cooperation in addressing the increasingly complex challenges in the field of human rights.
'Human rights are the foundation of a democratic society, and their effective protection requires open dialogue, professionalism, and a willingness to find solutions to even the most complex systemic challenges. I am confident that, operating on the principle of professional autonomy, the Council will contribute significantly to identifying challenges, developing solutions, and strengthening the culture of human rights in Slovenia through its interdisciplinary expertise," said the Ombudswoman.
The Council of the Human Rights Ombudsman is an expert advisory body to the Human Rights Ombudsman, established under Article 50a of the Human Rights Ombudsman Act. Its work is governed in greater detail by the Rules of Procedure of the Council of the Human Rights Ombudsman. Bringing together representatives of academia, civil society and public authorities, the Council contributes its interdisciplinary expertise to examining important systemic issues, preparing expert opinions, initiatives and recommendations, and developing guidelines for the work of the Human Rights Ombudsman of the Republic of Slovenia.
The Ombudswoman also presented the development of the Office of the Human Rights Ombudsman of the Republic of Slovenia, which has safeguarded human rights and fundamental freedoms as an independent and autonomous state institution since 1995. As well as handling individual complaints, the Office performs several specialized functions, such as acting as the National Preventive Mechanism, promoting children's rights and conducting research, education and awareness-raising activities through the Human Rights Centre. Since 2021, the institution has held A-status accreditation as a National Human Rights Institution under the Paris Principles. In June this year, this accreditation was renewed for a further five years.
Council members also discussed the draft work programme for the period 2026–2028. The Council is expected to meet four times a year, with each meeting focusing on substantive issues. The Council will prepare expert opinions and positions on important systemic matters, formulate guidelines for the Ombudswoman's work and monitor the Republic of Slovenia's fulfilment of its international human rights obligations.
Over the coming years, the Council will focus particularly on children's rights, equality and non-discrimination, the rule of law, the rights of older persons and long-term care, climate change and human rights, business and human rights, the impact of artificial intelligence on human rights, and human rights in healthcare. In view of the significant anniversaries to be marked in 2028, the Human Rights Ombudsman and the Council plan to publish a joint publication examining contemporary challenges to the protection of human rights and the rule of law.
During the discussion, Council members welcomed the proposed priorities and identified several additional issues that they considered should be addressed within the Council's remit. These included the rights of persons with disabilities in line with the "Nothing About Us Without Us" principle, dignified burials for victims of post-war massacres, implementing the recently adopted Act on the Burial and Commemoration of Victims of Concealed Mass Graves, and freedom of religion or belief. They also emphasized the importance of deinstitutionalization and fostering a tolerant and inclusive society. The meeting concluded with the unanimous adoption of guidelines on the Council's working methods, meeting schedule, and substantive priorities.
The ombudswoman also presented the process of establishing the council's third term. Nineteen applications were received in response to the public call. When appointing members, consideration was given not only to the statutory requirements, but also to ensuring balanced representation across different fields of expertise. The Council's composition is not yet complete, as the appointment of the two representatives nominated by the Government of the Republic of Slovenia is still pending. Once appointed, they will join the Council's work.
During its third term, the Council is chaired by Deputy Human Rights Ombudsman Miha Horvat. Its members are:
Civil society representatives:
Dr Zdenka Čebašek-Travnik (former Human Rights Ombudswoman, physician and psychiatrist, Spominčica – Alzheimer Slovenia), Dr Simona Gerenčer (Dlan Association of the Deafblind of Slovenia, TAKTI Institute), Polona Kovač Javh (Ključ – Centre for the Fight against Trafficking in Human Beings), Elena Lunder (Focus, Association for Sustainable Development), Vlasta Nussdorfer (former Human Rights Ombudswoman, former State Prosecutor and attorney-at-law, Beli obroč Slovenia), Anja Tekavčič (Association of Social Work Centres of Slovenia) and Dr Sebastjan Valentan (expert in relations between the state and religious communities).
Academic representatives:
Dr Sara Ahlin Doljak, Dr Suzana Kraljić and Prof. Dr Ernest Petrič.
Representatives of public authorities:
Mag. Jelena Aleksić (Advocate of the Principle of Equality), Alenka Jerše (Information Commissioner), Nataša Voršič (National Assembly) and Nuša Zupanec, MA (National Council).
The two members appointed by the Ombudswoman upon the Government of the Republic of Slovenia's proposal have not yet been nominated. Once they have been appointed, the Council will operate in its full composition.
Dr Kornelija Marzel continues to serve as Secretary of the Council.
Council members will contribute to developing solutions that strengthen the protection and promotion of human rights in Slovenia, drawing on their expertise in law, human rights, healthcare, social welfare, international law, higher education, equality, data protection and civil society.
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