The Slovenian Human Rights Ombudsman (HRO) welcomes the decision of the Slovenian government, under which a ward for forensic psychiatry will be established within the Maribor University Medical Centre to cover the needs of all of Slovenia (146th regular session of the Slovenian Government of 28 July 2011).

In the HRO's view, this is a step forward towards the implementation of her recommendations aimed at the more appropriate treatment of detained people. Moreover, this decision will help improve the conditions for patients who are being treated in psychiatric institutions. The HRO has been drawing attention to this issue for several years, including in her annual reports.