On 3 March 2026, Human Rights Ombudswoman Dr Simona Drenik Bavdek stated at a consultation organised by the Association of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing of Slovenia, entitled 'The Integration of Slovenian Sign Language into the Education System – It’s All in Our Hands,' that the use of language is a fundamental human right that must be guaranteed in everyday life, not just on paper.

The conference was held at the University of Ljubljana to coincide with Inclusion Day in the Republic of Slovenia and World Hearing Day. The Ombudswoman emphasised that inclusion must not remain merely a word or a symbolic commitment, but must become a legally and effectively guaranteed reality. “Inclusion means that the system adapts to the individual, not the other way around. It is a personalised approach of institutions towards people, rather than a generalised one,” she emphasised.

She recalled that language is inextricably linked to personal identity, dignity, cultural belonging and freedom of expression. She stressed that international documents, from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, clearly stipulate that sign languages, access to interpreters and inclusive education in the most appropriate language and form of communication for each individual must be ensured.

She added that Slovenia took an important step in 2021 when it enshrined Slovenian sign language and the language of deafblind people in the Constitution of the Republic of Slovenia. “This was a historic moment. However, the constitutional provision must not become a dead letter – even if that paper is the Constitution,” warned Ombudswoman Dr Drenik Bavdek.

Despite some important measures in recent years, five years on there is still no clear, systematic regulation for financing the development of Slovenian sign language. “Project funding cannot replace systematic funding and responsibility for ensuring the realisation of human rights. Projects are time-limited, but human rights must not depend on calls for proposals or the political priorities of the current government,” she said. She believes that language development requires stable, sustainable and predictable funding, clearly defined responsibilities and a long-term strategy. Without these, it is impossible to talk about the full realisation of constitutionally recognised rights.

The Ombudswoman confirmed that the Institution of the Human Rights Ombudsman of the Republic of Slovenia would advocate a clear definition of responsibilities and consistent funding for the development of Slovenian sign language. She recalled Nelson Mandela’s words: “It always seems impossible until it is done.”