The Council of Europe's (CoE) Human Rights Commissioner, Thomas Hammarberg, has expressed concern about the Roma in Slovenia in what is his first reply to a letter sent by the Slovenian human rights ombudsman after the temporary relocation of a Roma family.
Hammarberg told public broadcaster Radio Slovenija on Tuesday that he will be able to comment in more detail after receiving a reply from the government on the issue, which he has requested after receiving the letter from Matjaz Hanzek.

Hanzek sent the letter on 30 October, after a stand-off between the Roma and the majority population in Ambrus resulted in the Roma being temporary relocated to the Postojna refugee centre, located in a former army barracks.

Hammarberg expressed his hope that the authorities would be able to solve the issue in line with the standards of the European Convention of Human Rights, or in a way that would protect the rights of the Roma.

Hanzek was criticised by the office of the prime minister for sending the letter. His move was labelled as "irrational and irresponsible." "We regret the move of the ombudsman, for he unjustifiably denigrates Slovenia at international institutions," the office said.

Hammarberg also expressed concern over the dispute between the ombudsman and the government, saying that the role of ombudsmen is to act independently. Governments have to accept that ombudsmen sometimes have to be critical as they defend the interests of the people and certain fundamental principles, he added.