A delegation of representatives of the Ombudsman institution from Montenegro is currently visiting the Human Rights Ombudsman of the Republic of Slovenia (Ombudsman), where they are participating in a multi-day professional training course in Ljubljana. The purpose of the visit is to exchange experiences and good practices in the field of human rights protection and to strengthen independent human rights institutions in the region.

The study visit of the Montenegrin delegation, led by the Montenegrin Ombudsman, Siniša Bjeković, whose training was also supported by the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, is hosted by Ivan Šelih, Deputy Human Rights Ombudsman, who currently heads the institution. The training is being conducted under the professional guidance of the Head of the Center for Human Rights Centre, Deputy Human Rights Ombudsman Miha Horvat, and Assistant Head of the Center, Dr Simona Drenik Bavdek. Deputy Ombudsmen Dr Dijana Možina Zupanc and Dr Jože Ruparčič, as well as other professional associates and employees of the Ombudsman, are also participating in the training.

The participants will be discussing the appropriate legal bases for the operation of both institutions and their further development, the method and forms of cooperation with state authorities and other target groups, alternative reporting to international mechanisms, the institution's international cooperation, operations in various substantive areas, such as equality, children's rights, the elderly, health, the environment, and social security. Particular attention will be paid to the presentation of good practices in the operation of the National Preventive Mechanism, the Center for Human Rights and the Ombudsman's Council for Human Rights, as well as various projects of the Ombudsman and reaching various publics and raising awareness about human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Despite the fact that the Ombudsman institution has been without a head elected by the National Assembly for more than eight months, the Ombudsman's representatives presented to their colleagues from Montenegro various aspects and good practices of the institution's operation, which this year celebrates its 30th anniversary and has since 2021 also been operating as a national human rights institution (NHRI) with A status under the so-called Paris Principles. Such status confirms that the Slovenian Ombudsman operates completely independently and in accordance with the highest international standards in the field of human rights protection. The Human Rights Ombudsman of Montenegro is also striving to transform the institution in such a way that it will operate in accordance with the Paris Principles and obtain accreditation with A status. This positive effort is also particularly highlighted by the European Commission's report on the state of the rule of law in Montenegro. By transferring knowledge and good practices, the Slovenian Ombudsman contributes to strengthening the national human rights institution in Montenegro, also in light of supporting Montenegro's accession process to the European Union and, in general, with regard to strengthening the system of checks and balances and respect for human rights in the wider region.

During the visit, Deputy Ombudsman Ivan Šelih emphasised the importance of networking and mutual learning between national institutions: "This visit is not only an opportunity to present the Slovenian model, but also an opportunity for partner learning that can contribute to the further strengthening of independent institutions in the region." He added that even after thirty years of operation, the Ombudsman "strives to remain faithful to the values ​​of universality, dignity, and the rule of law, regardless of the challenges of the times."