Today, 20 March 2026, Human Rights Ombudswoman Dr Simona Drenik Bavdek and Deputy Ombudsman Miha Horvat met with representatives of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR): Helena Behr, Head of the Legal Section at the UNHCR Regional Office for Central and South-Eastern Europe; and Protection Officer Romana Zidar.

The meeting focused on current challenges in the field of migration and asylum, in particular the forthcoming transposition of the European Union Pact on Migration and Asylum into national legislation. The Ombudswoman expressed concern about the slow pace of transposition and the lack of clarity regarding the establishment of an independent mechanism to monitor respect for fundamental rights in procedures under the Pact in Slovenia. She considers the establishment of such a mechanism an important step towards ensuring the rights of people on the move.

The UNHCR representatives presented their work in the region, emphasising the importance of cooperation with national human rights institutions. Among other issues, they pointed out that Slovenia does not have a specific procedure for identifying stateless persons and ensuring their rights. They also highlighted shortcomings in the systematic identification of victims of trafficking in human beings and in their placement in safe accommodation.

The Ombudswoman emphasised that the Ombudsman pays particular attention to this area and is committed to ensuring consistent respect for the human rights of all individuals. Among other activities, just over two years ago the Ombudsman, acting as a third independent party, intervened before the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child in a case concerning an unaccompanied minor from Myanmar. Last year, the Ombudsman also raised concerns about deficiencies in detention procedures at Obrežje.

The participants agreed that continued cooperation and the regular exchange of information are essential for effectively addressing challenges in the field of migration and asylum.