Human Rights Ombudswoman Dr Simona Drenik Bavdek, together with Deputy Ombudsman Miha Horvat, attended the Second Council of Europe High-Level Conference on the Role of Ombudsman Institutions and National Human Rights Institutions in Strasbourg on 12 and 13 March 2026 (the Slovenian Human Rights Ombudsman is an institution combining both mandates). The event brought together representatives of such institutions from across Europe, judges of the European Court of Human Rights, and human rights experts to discuss key challenges facing democracy, the rule of law and the protection of human rights.

The discussion focused largely on the future of democracy in light of emerging threats such as disinformation and foreign interference in elections, as well as the growing trend of securitisation – that is, measures aimed at ensuring national security that disproportionately and impermissibly interfere with established human rights standards. Ombudsman institutions and national human rights institutions were recognised as key pillars of democratic resilience.

Among the major contemporary threats to democracy, weak respect for the rule of law was highlighted, both in procedural terms and through the erosion of independent institutions of democratic oversight. In an increasing number of European countries, independent institutions are facing various pressures – ranging from reductions in funding to discrediting campaigns on social media and the spread of disinformation about their work.

Foreign interference in elections and public opinion poses a systemic threat to modern democracy, public trust in democratic institutions and democratic values. Respect for human rights, including international standards, is therefore crucial for safeguarding democratic systems. Propaganda and the manipulation of public opinion were also highlighted as serious threats that divide societies and undermine democracy and respect for human rights, as they deepen social divisions while individuals increasingly struggle to distinguish between reliable information, fake news and disinformation.

The conference reaffirmed the crucial role of ombudsman institutions and national human rights institutions in safeguarding democracy, the rule of law and the effective protection of human rights in Europe, as well as the importance of cooperation between national institutions, the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights.

“The discussion clearly showed that securitisation, the weakening of the rule of law, the increasingly widespread interference with human rights and freedoms, and unacceptable attempts at (foreign) interference in elections – challenges we are also facing in Slovenia – are not specific to Slovenia, but represent a serious threat to democracy across Europe and beyond. Participants agreed that human rights ombudsman institutions and national human rights institutions must further strengthen their mutual cooperation and actively advocate respect for substantive constitutional democracy and human rights. Skepticism towards the standards of human rights and freedoms achieved over centuries is increasing, and our role is to warn that the weakening of the rule of law and constitutional democracy brings not only fewer freedoms and rights – first for various minorities and later for everyone else – but also the rise of increasingly authoritarian governance, where decision-making becomes ever more arbitrary,” emphasised Human Rights Ombudswoman Dr Simona Drenik Bavdek on the margins of the conference.

The conference was opened by Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe Bjørn Berge, and participants were also addressed by Ambassador Daniela Cujbă, Chair of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. The keynote speech was delivered by Egils Levits, former President of Latvia and former judge of the European Court of Human Rights.

The first day of the conference was devoted to discussions on current challenges facing democratic systems. Participants addressed foreign influence on democratic processes, the weakening of systems of checks and balances, and the involvement of young people in human rights protection processes. Representatives of ombudsman institutions, national human rights institutions, as well as agencies of the European Union and the Council of Europe took part in the discussions.

The second day of the conference, held for the first time at the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), focused on the role of the Court in this new context, the importance of the execution and implementation of its judgments, and the role of national institutions in relation to the Court. Particular attention was devoted to strengthening the Convention system, freedom of expression, third-party interventions before the Court, and the dissemination of the Court’s case law and the execution of ECtHR judgments.

The President of the Court, Mattias Guyomar, emphasised that ombudsman institutions and national human rights institutions are natural allies of the ECtHR. The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, stressed the importance of states taking positions in current debates on the European Convention on Human Rights in support of the independence of decision-making of both the ECtHR and national courts.

At the conference, Human Rights Ombudswoman Dr Simona Drenik Bavdek participated as an invited speaker in a discussion on the execution of ECtHR judgments and the role of national human rights institutions and ombudsman institutions in this process. In her remarks, she highlighted the importance of these institutions playing an active role in monitoring the execution of the Court’s judgments, raising public awareness and encouraging state authorities to fulfil their obligations arising from the judgments in a timely and comprehensive manner.

She also emphasised that consistent and timely execution of ECtHR judgments is an important indicator of the functioning of the rule of law in a given country.

“Judgments of the European Court of Human Rights not only ensure the protection of individuals’ rights in specific cases but often also require systemic changes to legislation, practice or the functioning of state institutions, thereby strengthening democratic standards and preventing the recurrence of human rights violations. Slovenia can serve as an example to other states in the execution of the Strasbourg Court’s judgments,” said Ombudswoman Dr Drenik Bavdek.

She also noted that national human rights institutions and ombudsman institutions can contribute significantly to more consistent and effective execution of judgments by raising public awareness of the Court’s case law, monitoring the implementation of judgments at the national level, and providing independent information to the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. Such activities help identify systemic problems and encourage state authorities to adopt appropriate measures.

The conference was also attended by Dr Vasilka Sancin, the Slovenian judge at the ECtHR, who presented on third-party interventions before the Strasbourg Court and the role of ombudsman institutions and national human rights institutions. She highlighted that the Slovenian Human Rights Ombudsman represents an example of good practice, having so far intervened as an independent third party in two cases (Trunk v. Slovenia and X and Others v. Slovenia). In addition, several independent interventions have also been submitted to the Court by the European Network of National Human Rights Institutions (ENNHRI).

The day before the conference, on 11 March 2026, Ombudswoman Dr Drenik Bavdek, as a member of the ENNHRI Executive Board, also attended a meeting between the leadership of ENNHRI and the leadership of the European regional branch of the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI), where discussions focused on strengthening mutual cooperation.

On the margins of the conference, together with Deputy Ombudsman Horvat, she also met with Slovenian Ambassador to the Council of Europe Berta Mrak, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Michael O’Flaherty, Slovenian judge at the ECtHR Dr Vasilka Sancin, the Secretaries General of ENNHRI and IOI, and numerous human rights ombudsmen and heads of national human rights institutions, with whom they exchanged experiences, best practices and views on trends and developments across Europe.

https://www.coe.int/en/web/hum...

The excessive and often uncontrolled use of pyrotechnic products has long surpassed the sphere of seasonal entertainment, becoming an issue with direct impact on fundamental human rights. Data collected by the People’s Advocate Office between December 2025 and February 2026 confirm violations of the right to life and physical integrity in the context of severe injuries, including among minors; the right to health, through burns, eye injuries, amputations, and severe psychological effects; as well as the right to a healthy environment, through significant exceedances of fine particle concentrations (PM10 and PM2.5), chemical pollution, and extreme noise pollution.

Impulse noises disproportionately affect small children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, hospitalized patients, and individuals affected by military conflicts, while the impact on domestic animals and wildlife raises additional concerns regarding welfare and ecological balance. Under these conditions, the pyrotechnic phenomenon becomes a matter of public health, environmental protection, and effective guarantee of fundamental rights.

Between December 2025 and February 2026, the People’s Advocates initiated a coordinated and staged process. The effort began with a public appeal launched by Ceslav Panico and Vasile Coroi, calling for the limitation or prohibition of pyrotechnic articles and the promotion of safe alternatives. Subsequently, official requests were sent to relevant ministries and local public administration authorities, demanding restrictive measures, intensified controls, and the redirection of public resources toward non-invasive forms of celebration. The Ombudspersons also submitted requests to parliamentary commissions to discuss the use of pyrotechnic products and their interference with fundamental human rights.

Following these interventions, several mayoralities – including Cahul, Anenii Noi, Vulcanesti, Basarabeasca, and Ocnita – gave up organizing fireworks in official programs. The Calarasi Mayorality provided a good practice example by organizing a “light show,” an ecological and safe alternative.

The subject also generated broad public debate. A survey conducted on the Debates.md platform indicated that over 86% of respondents (out of more than 2,000 participants) support limiting the use of fireworks, confirming genuine social concern in this area.

In parallel, the People’s Advocate Office collected official data and prepared the Special report “Assessment of the Impact of Pyrotechnic Products and Their Interference with Fundamental Human Rights”, which was examined, at the Ombudsman’s request, during the March 4, 2026 meeting of the Parliamentary Commission on Environment, Climate, and Green Transition, with the participation of regulatory and control institutions. Discussions highlighted the need to revise the regulatory framework and public policies in the area to align them with human rights protection standards.

The report is the result of independent monitoring carried out between December 2025 and February 2026. It contains data collected from competent authorities, as well as an analysis of the regulatory framework and international practices.

Impact on Public Health

Data from the National Center for Prehospital Emergency Medical Assistance show that between December 25, 2025, and January 3, 2026, there were 11 cases of injuries caused by pyrotechnic articles, 10 of which required hospitalization. Among the victims were 4 minors, including a 2-year-old child.

Injuries included burns to limbs and face, eye trauma with partial or total vision loss, and finger amputations. The public health system’s costs for treating these cases exceeded 36,000 MDL.

Beyond physical trauma, impulsive noises and unpredictable explosions disproportionately affect small children, the elderly, hospitalized patients, and people with mental disorders. For individuals exposed to traumatic experiences – including refugees affected by armed conflict – these can trigger severe anxiety reactions or episodes associated with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Air and Environmental Pollution

Data presented by the Environmental Agency, analyzed during monitoring by the People’s Advocate Office between December 25, 2025, and January 5, 2026, indicate frequent exceedances of permissible concentrations of suspended particles PM10 and PM2.5 in Chisinau Municipality. 

The most pronounced increases were recorded on New Year’s Eve, between 00:00 and 01:00, when particle concentrations significantly exceeded the health protection reference level of 50 µg/m³, influenced by intensive use of pyrotechnic products.

Burning fireworks releases fine particles and chemical compounds from metals such as barium, strontium, copper, or aluminium, along with harmful gases. These particles can penetrate deep into the respiratory tract and are associated with negative effects on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

Residues from fireworks also contaminate soil and water, while debris from explosions generates additional urban waste.

Public Order and Safety

According to General Police Inspectorate data, between December 25, 2025, and January 5, 2026, there were 122 reports of illegal pyrotechnic use and 134 police interventions.

Control actions led to 67 contravention reports and the confiscation of more than 2,400 pyrotechnic units. The number of incidents caused by these products increased by at least 48 cases compared to the same period the previous year.

Authorities note that identifying individuals who illegally use pyrotechnics remains difficult, as use typically occurs in very short intervals – from a few seconds to a few minutes. Even with prompt police intervention, establishing the perpetrator and documenting the offense is often challenging.

Impact on Animals

Noise from fireworks can reach 140 – 170 decibels, while most domestic animals tolerate sounds of about 60 – 70 decibels. The significant difference causes acute panic reactions, uncontrolled flight, injuries, or disorientation.

For birds, explosions and bright lights provoke chaotic nocturnal flights, often leading to collisions with buildings, trees, or cables.

International Experience

The report also includes examples of international good practices, showing that more and more states adopt restrictive policies on pyrotechnics, mainly for public safety, environmental protection, and animal welfare.

In many German cities, fireworks are allowed only within a very limited timeframe and are banned in dense urban areas, near hospitals, asylums, or other sensitive institutions. In Australia and Canada, private use is permitted only with authorization, with professional shows preferred. In Ireland and Chile, personal use of pyrotechnics is prohibited by law, while in the Netherlands, national bans on individual fireworks have been adopted. In China and India, several cities introduced significant restrictions because of pollution and safety concerns.

These examples demonstrate that restricting pyrotechnic use is an increasingly common international trend aimed at protecting public health and the environment.

Need to Revise the Regulatory Framework

The report’s analysis reveals a significant gap between the existing regulatory framework and its effective application. Although legislation establishes clear responsibilities for relevant authorities, field reality shows that current control mechanisms are overwhelmed by the scale of the phenomenon.

Recommendations of the People’s Advocate

The Ombudsman called for a conceptual revision of public policies in the area and the adoption of measures ensuring a balance between festive traditions and the protection of fundamental rights.

Key recommendations include:

• Restricting/prohibiting certain categories of pyrotechnics for individual use.
•  
• Establishing clearly defined zones and time intervals for their use.
•  
• Banning use in densely populated urban areas, near medical institutions, and forest strips.
•  
• Introducing additional ecological standards.
•  
• Creating an interinstitutional working group under the Ministry of Internal Affairs to draft legislative proposals in the area.

The complete Report in Romanian is available here: https://ombudsman.md/post-document/raport-special-evaluarea-impactului-utilizarii-produselor-pirotehnice-si-interferenta-cu-drepturile-fundamentale-ale-omului/

This initiative contributed to raising awareness of the impact of pyrotechnic products on fundamental rights, mobilizing authorities toward more responsible measures, and initiating a parliamentary debate based on official data and international good practices.

Transitioning to sustainable celebration models does not represent a limitation of traditions but a necessary adjustment to ensure a fair balance between festive manifestations and the state’s obligation to guarantee respect for the fundamental rights of all individuals, especially the vulnerable ones.

La Agencia de Derechos Fundamentales de la Unión Europea (FRA), en colaboración con el Instituto Europeo de Igualdad de Género (EIGE), ha publicado el nuevo informe “Encuesta sobre violencia de género en la UE: evidencia para políticas y prácticas”. Este informe, que ofrece un análisis profundo de los resultados de la segunda encuesta a escala comunitaria (basándose en más de 114.000 entrevistas), constata que la violencia sobre las mujeres y niñas es una realidad persistente, a pesar de los avances legislativos. 

Los datos del informe son reveladores. Según la encuesta, una de cada tres mujeres en la UE sufre violencia física o sexual. La violencia de pareja, el abuso psicológico, la violencia económica y la ciberviolencia están ampliamente extendidas y, sin embargo, suelen ser las formas de abuso menos reconocidas. La mayor parte de la violencia no se denuncia. Solo el 6,1% de las mujeres denunció ante la policía abusos físicos o sexuales ejercidos por sus parejas, y apenas el 11,3% lo hizo cuando el agresor no era su pareja. La vergüenza, la autoculpa, el miedo y la falta de confianza en la policía son los motivos más citados para no denunciar. La falta de concienciación o de acceso a redes de apoyo son también factores determinantes.

Hallazgos clave del informe

• Violencia sexual y consentimiento: La violencia sexual se caracteriza más a menudo por la ausencia de un consentimiento libremente otorgado que por el uso de la fuerza física. Las mujeres tienen casi el doble de probabilidades de ser violadas mediante coacción, o por razón de su incapacidad para negarse, que mediante fuerza física manifiesta.

• La violencia económica y psicológica en la pareja: Estas formas de abuso son comunes, pero menos visibles. El 29,9% de las mujeres ha sufrido violencia psicológica perpetrada por su pareja (humillaciones, celos, intimidación o conductas de control). Además, el 20,3% ha sufrido formas de violencia económica, como son: la falta de control sobre las finanzas familiares, la obstaculización en el acceso a una cuenta bancaria o la eliminación de su prestación económica.

• Un alto coste personal: El 9,8% de las mujeres sufrió lesiones físicas causadas por su pareja y el 9,6% sufrió secuelas psicológicas. Como consecuencia, el 17,6% necesitó ausentarse del trabajo y el 30,8% no pudo realizar las tareas del hogar. Muchas mujeres recurren a la medicación (25,8%), o al alcohol y las drogas (17,1%), para sobrellevar los efectos.

• Violencia en la infancia: El 32,9% de las niñas sufrió violencia física o emocional a manos de sus padres. Esto puede crear un ciclo de violencia, ya que las mujeres que sufrieron abusos sexuales en la infancia tienen entre tres y cuatro veces más probabilidades de enfrentarse a la violencia sexual en la edad adulta.

• La digitalización intensifica el abuso: El 8,5% de las mujeres sufrió ciberacoso y el 7% de las mujeres trabajadoras sufrió acoso sexual en línea. El 10,2% vio su ubicación monitoreada o rastreada por su pareja.

El informe destaca que la UE ha reforzado su marco jurídico de protección de las mujeres contra la violencia, incluyendo la Directiva (UE) 2024/1385 del Parlamento Europeo y del Consejo sobre la lucha contra la violencia contra las mujeres y la violencia doméstica, así como la ratificación por la UE del Convenio de Estambul de 2011. En todo caso, de cara al futuro, se señalan las siguientes prioridades en las que será necesario avanzar:

1. Mejorar los sistemas de denuncia, con sensibilidad hacia las víctimas y con perspectiva de género.
2. Garantizar el acceso a un apoyo integral, incluyendo servicios sanitarios y especializados.
3. Tipificar como delito la violencia sexual basada en la falta de consentimiento.
4. Ampliar la protección jurídica a la violencia económica y psicológica.
5. Reforzar las respuestas contra el abuso facilitado por la tecnología.
6. Invertir en prevención temprana y protección infantil.

Promoción de los derechos humanos

Prensa y comunicación

Noticia general

Violencia de género

Internacional