At today’s introductory meeting, the Human Rights Ombudswoman of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr Simona Drenik Bavdek, and the Advocate of the Principle of Equality, Miha Lobnik, reviewed the activities and challenges faced by both institutions in the field of discrimination. They discussed opportunities for enhanced cooperation, with a view to avoiding unnecessary duplication and identifying synergies.

Mr Lobnik presented the ombudswoman with the tenth annual report on the work of his institution for 2025. He pointed out that the two-year deadline for transposing the EU Directives on standards for equality bodies will expire in June this year, a process which Slovenia has not yet initiated. He also emphasised that he will strive for constructive cooperation with the ombudswoman for the remainder of his term of office, until October 2026.

The ombudswoman thanked him for presenting the annual report and emphasised that, during her term of office, she will advocate for strengthening cooperation between the two institutions, as their competences complement each other in the areas of the prohibition of discrimination and the promotion of the principle of equality. She agreed that it is essential to proceed as soon as possible with the transposition of the Directives into Slovenian law, thereby ensuring that individuals enjoy the same standard of protection against discrimination as residents of other EU Member States.

The ombudswoman also presented the Advocate of the Principle of Equality with the activities of the ombudsman in the field of protection against discrimination, with particular emphasis on the rights of persons with disabilities and older persons.

The interlocutors also addressed the unresolved issue of personal assistance and called on the future government to treat the amendment of the relevant legislation as a priority. They further agreed that it is essential to continue ensuring long-term care and to develop a long-term care system that is accessible to all. They reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that all vulnerable groups in Slovenia are heard and duly taken into account.