Dr Simona Drenik Bavdek, the Human Rights Ombudswoman of the Republic of Slovenia, and her Deputy, Dr Jože Ruparčič, met with the Minister of Education, Dr Vinko Logaj, and his colleagues. The meeting focused on the current state of the education system in relation to the realisation of children’s rights.

The Ombudswoman emphasised the importance of inclusive education for all children. Special attention was given to the education of children with special needs, Roma children and accessibility, including school transport organisation. The Ombudswoman underlined the importance of ensuring equal access to education for all children, regardless of their place of residence or personal circumstances. She also informed the Minister of the case of a deaf-blind boy for whom it was not possible to find an appropriate school in Slovenia, as there is no institution with adequately trained staff. She believes that this case clearly demonstrates the need to strengthen professional capacities and the state’s responsibility in guaranteeing the right to education for all children.

They also discussed the issue of peer violence, with the Ombudsman highlighting the need for systemic and preventive approaches. The Ombudswoman also emphasised the importance of strengthening the inclusion of human rights content in school curricula, a view supported by the Minister.

The participants reviewed the Ombudsman’s recommendations relating to the Ministry’s area of responsibility, agreeing that close and continuous cooperation is key to effectively addressing the identified challenges.

Opportunities for cooperation with the School for Principals were also explored, and it was agreed that collaboration between the Ombudsman and the Ministry should be strengthened to improve the responsiveness of the education system to violations of children’s rights, enhance the competence of professional staff and develop inclusive and safe learning environments for all children.