Ombudsman meets the President of the Republic of Slovenia during the 30th Anniversary Commemoration of the Slovenian Human Rights Ombudsman

Ombudsman meets the President of the Republic of Slovenia during the 30th Anniversary Commemoration of the Slovenian Human Rights Ombudsman

Published December 09, 2024

The closing event of the Bled Conference on the Effectiveness of Ombudsman Institutions and NHRIs featured a meeting with the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar, at the Presidential Palace in Ljubljana. In her address, President Pirc Musar highlighted the urgent need to protect and promote human rights, noting that current global conflicts and persistent rights violations underscore the critical role of Ombudsman Institutions in giving a voice to the vulnerable.

The Parliamentary Ombudsman of Malta, Judge Emeritus Joseph Zammit McKeon, met the President of Slovenia and exchanged perspectives on strengthening human rights safeguards. He also commended the Slovenian institution for its invaluable contribution to international organisations, especially the Association of Mediterranean Ombudsmen (AOM) and the International Ombudsman Institute – European Regional Board.

Following the meeting, the commemorations continued with an event marking both International Human Rights Day and the 30th Anniversary of the Human Rights Ombudsman of Slovenia. In his speech, Slovenian Ombudsman Peter Svetina emphasised the importance of vigilance, dialogue, and shared responsibility, reminding participants that human rights are the bedrock of a just and inclusive society. He further stressed that Ombudsman Institutions (OIs) and National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) are vital cornerstones of democracy, critical links between the public and the authorities.

These bodies must remain responsive and people-centred, handling individual complaints, identifying systemic issues, and advocating for meaningful reforms. In doing so, they ensure that human rights are treated not as abstract ideals but as the tangible foundations of societal well-being.