Parliament appointed dr. Zdenka Cebasek Travnik new human rights ombudsman on Wednesday. The 51-year old psychiatrist was backed by 64 out of 90 deputies, while no one voted against her. Following her appointment, Cebasek Travnik quoted child's rights as one of her priorities.
Cebasek Travnik, who has already been sworn in, will assume her six-year term in office on 21 February 2007, when incumbent Matjaz Hanzek ends his years of service.

While she quoted the problem of violence against children as one of the priorities to be tackled by the office, Cebasek Travnik also spotlighted the elderly as the increasingly threatened group, also as regards human rights.

Cebasek Travnik counts on the support of the staff at the Ombudsman Office. "I know a number of experts with a wealth of experience work there, and I am confident together we will find the right answers to problems and make recommendations for necessary changes."

While she did not want to assess the work of predecessor, Cebasek Travnik said Hanzek gave the role of human rights ombudsman a high profile and that he spoke out when rights were violated. "My style will be different from his because I am a woman and a different person."

Hanzek, who did not seek reelection, meanwhile advised his successor to stick to what she believes is right. Commenting on her appointment following the vote, Hanzek said the deputies had made a right choice.

Hanzek also advised Cebasek Travnik to always consult her colleagues at the office before taking a decision, in particular those who were of different mind than her. She must then stick to the decision firmly, regardless of difficulties and opponents she may face, Hanzek said.

President Janez Drnovsek's nominee was supported by deputies from the ranks of all seven parliamentary factions. Out of 71 MPs present at the vote, 64 voted for her, while seven abstained.

Slovenia's first human rights ombudsman was Ivan Bizjak, who was appointed in September 1994. Scon ombudsman Matjaz Hanzek was elected six years ago following three rounds of consultations between the president and parliamentary factions.