On this year's International Human Rights Day, the Ombudsman of the Republic of Slovenia (Ombudsman) warns that human rights – although a fundamental value enshrined in our constitutional order – in practice too often slip to the sidelines of political priorities. This year, we feel this particularly acutely in the institution of the Ombudsman, where we have been without a head with a full mandate for almost a year. The void at the top of an institution that exists to protect the rights of all people in relation to the state is a message that human rights can be pushed to the sidelines.

Therefore, in the year when the institution is celebrating its thirtieth anniversary, we at the Ombudsman not only remember the beginnings, but also reflect on the responsibility that we, as a society, must bear towards each other. Behind every complaint that reaches the Ombudsman, there is a person with his or her fear, with his or her injustice, with his or her hope. Someone who has lost themselves in the proceedings, encountered silence where there should be answers, or is stuck at the door of a system that owes them respect and justice.

On this day, we emphasise that healthcare must be accessible, the judiciary fair and efficient, and the state a place where everyone has their place – even those who have no power. This is where the strength of democracy is measured. The Ombudsman is a beacon in this space: the voice of the most vulnerable, a bridge between the state and the people. This bridge must have solid support: clear leadership and independence, which can only be provided by a person with a full mandate.

Today, we reiterate our call to decision-makers: the full functionality of the institution must be restored and the systemic conditions for its work strengthened. Human rights must not be just a promise, but everyday practice. This requires political will, responsibility, and respect for all who work on behalf of the people in the institution of the Human Rights Ombudsman of the Republic of Slovenia.

“When human rights become marginal, the people affected by injustices also become marginal,” underscored Deputy Ombudsman Dr. Jože Ruparčič in his address, which he gave on behalf of the institution and the deputy ombudsmen who lead it, at today’s ceremony. This was prepared by the Ombudsman institution on the occasion of Human Rights Day at the Grand Hotel Union Eurostars in Ljubljana for the highest representatives of the state, civil society, religious communities, the diplomatic corps, and the media.

Let this thought be a reminder to us all and let this year’s 10th December be an opportunity for us as a community to look within ourselves and take a clear step forward towards greater respect for human rights. They are not self-evident. They are an everyday decision and our shared everyday duty.