On 4 March 2026, Dr Simona Drenik Bavdek, the Human Rights Ombudswoman, met with Željko Jovanović, President of the Roma Foundation for Europe. Also present were Deputy Ombudsman Miha Horvat, who is responsible for safeguarding the rights of the Roma community, and Gašper Adamič Metlikovič, a specialist in this area.

The participants exchanged views on the current situation of the Roma community in Slovenia and the consequences of the so-called Šutar Act. Particular attention was paid to human rights protection and equal treatment, as well as to the impact of legislative solutions on the situation of the Roma community.

The Ombudswoman presented the activities of the Institution relating to the aforementioned Act, including the decision to request a constitutional review of the Act before the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Slovenia. Dr Drenik Bavdek emphasised that any legislative solution must comply with the Constitution and respect the fundamental human rights and dignity of all individuals.

The participants agreed that open dialogue about the situation of the Roma community and respect for their rights are essential for finding lasting and fair solutions. The Ombudswoman emphasised that the Ombudsman’s institution will continue to closely monitor developments and draw attention to any human rights violations within its remit.