Between April and June 2025, the Human Rights Ombudsman of the Republic of Slovenia (Ombudsman) discussed various complaints from people who turned to the institution regarding the provision of human rights of people with disabilities. Complainants were helped with clarifications about their rights and the legislation, recommendations for the better realisation of rights were addressed to bodies responsible, and attention was publicly brought to the rights of people with disabilities. Below you can find an overview of completed complaint procedures and various public activities. 
 

Intervention of the Ombudsman due to the Refusal of Disability Allowance to a Deafblind Complainant 

A complainant who has been 100% blind since childhood and has over 40 years of work experience, retired on disability grounds, contacted the Ombudsman because the Pension and Disability Insurance Institute of Slovenia (ZPIZ) did not recognise his right to disability allowance following a deterioration of his hearing (diagnosed as severe bilateral hearing loss). The ZPIZ rejected his claim at first instance, arguing that the worsening of his medical situation does not represent at least a 50% worsening of the pre-existing physical impairment (blindness). The complainant appealed the decision, but the appeal was not decided upon within a reasonable timeframe, prompting him to seek the Ombudsman’s assistance. The Ombudsman found that medical opinions and decisions were poorly reasoned and warned the ZPIZ about breaches of the legislation. Following the Ombudsman’s intervention, the ZPIZ partially upheld the complainant’s appeal and recognised his right to disability allowance for 60% physical impairment due to hearing loss. The Ombudsman deemed the complaint justified and concluded that the initial actions of the ZPIZ constituted a violation of the rights of persons with disabilities, as protected under Article 52 of the Constitution of the Republic of Slovenia. (more)

Human Rights Ombudsman Critical of ZPIZ-20 due to U-turn on Changing the Definition of Disability 

During the drafting of the proposed amendments to the Pension and Disability Insurance Act (ZPIZ-20), the Ombudsman expressed concern that the reform fails to address the outdated definition of disability, even though the Ministry of Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities (MDDSZ) has been bringing attention to this for years. The Ministry explained that changes in the definition of disability would only follow reforms to mandatory health insurance system, citing their close interconnection. The Ombudsman considered this response to be an evasion of responsibility, pointing out that the current definition has long been misaligned with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (KOPI) and international standards. The Ombudsman reiterated that the prevailing medical model of disability, which is still the basis used the national legislation, is inadequate and must be replaced by a human rights-based model. Such a model takes into account not only a person’s medical condition but also the environmental barriers that hinder full inclusion in society. The Ombudsman therefore calls on the MDDSZ once again to draft legislation in line with the KOPI as soon as possible and eliminate systemic violations of the rights of persons with disabilities. (more)

The National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) Continues Visiting Work and Care Centres 

Between April and June, a representative of the NPM[1] made monitoring and thematic visits to the following centres: Varstveno-delovni center INCE (VDC INCE), Naša hiša unit; VDC SAŠA, Mozirje residential unit; VDC Tolmin; VDC Kranj, Škofja Loka residential unit; and VDC Šentjur, Slovenske Konjice living unit.

The Ombudsman Warns about Vandalism Directed against People with Disabilities, and Calls to Action 

The Ombudsman has express serious concern over the damage to public infrastructure intended for persons with disabilities – among other instances, of a bathing area in Izola which is adapted for people with disabilities. Such acts are not only vandalism but constitute a direct violation of the rights and dignity of people with disabilities, contributing to their social exclusion. The Ombudsman stressed that rights must be guaranteed for all, regardless of physical ability. Damaging infrastructure designed for people with disabilities undermines social solidarity and compromises the sense of safety for vulnerable groups. The Ombudsman therefore urges the responsible bodies to act swiftly and decisively, particularly when there is reason to believe that the act may have been motivated by hate. The Ombudsman also highlighted the importance of preventive measures, such as raising awareness, education, and the active involvement of people with disabilities in decision-making processes, since it is only through clear social condemnation and a policy of zero tolerance of hate-motivated acts that the rights of vulnerable groups can be effectively protected. (more)

The Ombudsman at the “Na glas za nas!” (Loudly for Us!) Event about Rights of People with Disabilities 

On 5 June 2025, a representative of the Ombudsman, Dr Kornelija Marzel, took part in the first national event of the Unity Project in Slovenj Gradec, aimed at promoting the inclusion of persons with intellectual and other disabilities into society. During the event, self-advocates highlighted key issues such as the need for independence, supported decision-making, access to housing, employment opportunities, and fair wages. Dr Marzel presented the Ombudsman’s activities in the field of equal treatment, warned about the inaccessibility of public spaces, and spoke about the outdated definition of disability, which remains rooted solely in the medical model. An information leaflet in easy-to-read format was also introduced. Participants stressed the need for legislative reforms and greater respect for people with disabilities. (more)

Meeting of the ENNHRI Working Group for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 

On 4 June 2025, a representative of the Centre for Human Rights at the Ombudsman and the presiding person of the ENNHRI working group for the rights of persons with disabilities, Jerneja Turin, convened and led a meeting of the group’s members. This session focused on the implementation of the European Disability Card Directive and featured presentations of examples of how national human rights institutions are working to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities. During the discussion, Ms Turin also introduced her European colleagues to Slovenia’s national system for implementing the EU Disability Card.

Previous overviews of the Ombudsman’s activities in the field of rights of people with disabilities (a click on the indents below will take you to where they are published):

-             January–March 2025

-             October–December 2024

-             July–September 2024

-             April–June 2024

-             January–March 2024

-             October–December 2023

-             July–September 2023

-             April–June 2023

-             January–March 2023

-             October–December 2022

-             July–September 2022

-             April–June 2022

-             January–March 2022

-             October–December 2021

-             July–September 2021

-             April–June 2021

-             January–March 2021

-             October–December 2020

-             July–September 2020

[1] The task of the National Preventive Mechanism (which was established within the institution of the Human Rights Ombudsman based on the provision of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment) is to visit places of deprivation of liberty in the country and to check the treatment of people deprived of liberty with the purpose to strengthen their protection from torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

È disponibile online il numero 3 della Newsletter del Coordinamento Nazionale dei Difensori Civici delle Regioni e delle Province Autonome italiane, uno strumento pensato per raccontare in maniera puntuale e trasparente l’attività svolta a tutela dei cittadini, dei loro diritti e dei valori democratici del nostro Paese.

 La newsletter è consultabile liberamente al seguente link:
 Numero 3 – Luglio 2025 (PDF)

In questo nuovo numero troverete:

• Il racconto delle attività istituzionali recenti, sia sul piano nazionale che internazionale;
• Approfondimenti su buone pratiche regionali nella difesa civica;
• Il focus sul ruolo del Difensore Civico nella semplificazione amministrativa e nella giustizia di prossimità;
• Le nuove collaborazioni internazionali, con testimonianze dirette;
• Notizie su eventi, progetti educativi e incontri con i cittadini.

Il Presidente Marino Fardelli, nell’introduzione, sottolinea l’importanza della rete dei Difensori Civici come presidio di democrazia, ascolto e legalità nei territori. La newsletter continua a essere un ponte tra le Istituzioni e i cittadini, promuovendo la cultura dei diritti e della responsabilità pubblica.

At the request of the Parliamentary Committees on Labour and Social Policy and on Health, Ombudsman Velislava Delcheva sent an opinion on the draft law amending the Health Act.

22 July 2025

At the request of the Parliamentary Committees on Labour and Social Policy and on Health, Ombudsman Velislava Delcheva sent an opinion on the draft law amending the Health Act.

The opinion highlights that over the years the Ombudsman has identified a number of systemic problems related to the rights of psychiatric patients, one of the most significant being the application of extreme coercive measures to patients without a system of control.

Attention is drawn to the fact that the most serious case qualified as torture since the beginning of the Ombudsman's mandate as NPM is the fire that occurred on 2 October 2023 in the State Psychiatric Hospital in Lovech, during which a patient died.

The Ombudsman then found that on the day of the fire this patient had been isolated for 9 hours and had been immobilised, i.e. tied to all four limbs, for almost 6 hours. This is the reason why he died during the fire.

"The immobilisation happened nearly a month after he was admitted for treatment. This, in turn, suggests that after the treatment he received, the acute phase of his disease was brought under control. Moreover, he was accommodated in a so-called 'soft room', which allows patients to do everything and move freely without risks and without difficulties for the caring staff. It is evident in this case that instead of the soft room being used as a gentle and safe place for isolation, it was used as a 'punishment room' and the patient was immobilised in it," the public defender writes in her opinion.

Another significant problem identified by the Ombudsman is the violation of Ordinance No. 1 of 28 June 2005 on the procedure for the application of temporary physical restraint measures for patients with established mental disorders.

"According to Article 11(2) of the Ordinance, a patient who is subject to a temporary physical restraint measure shall be continuously monitored by nurses designated by the doctor, who shall change every hour. It is evident from the case that there was no continuous monitoring of the patient during the immobilisation," the NPM team states firmly.

In addition, the Book of Measures Taken for Temporary Physical Restraint identified a number of cases where patients were assigned several consecutive isolations and several immobilisations on the same day or on consecutive days. Particularly drastic was the case of a patient diagnosed with vascular dementia who, from 30 September to 2 October, had been isolated a total of 5 times for 6 hours each and immobilised 2 times for 2 hours each.

“It should be stressed that Ordinance No. 1 of 28 June 2005 on the procedure for the application of temporary physical restraint measures to patients with established mental disorders contravenes the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and the Council of Europe Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. The Ombudsman considers that it is inhuman and degrading treatment or humiliation for a patient to be tied up for hours on the same day and isolated, as was found during the inspection at the State Hospital in Lovech. The Ordinance does not stipulate if once a measure of immobilisation (tying) has been imposed for 2 hours whether this means that 5 minutes after the measure has expired the patient may be tied up again an unlimited number of times. Similarly, when a person has been isolated for 6 hours, it is not stipulated how many times this measure may be extended for another 6 hours. In practice, a person can be isolated every day for 15 days almost without interruption of the measure," the opinion says.

In it, the Ombudsman Institution once again urges the Ministry of Health to revise the ordinance in question, including to draw up a protocol for the application of the coercive measures of "immobilisation" and "isolation", in which it is clearly noted for what duration and how often patients can be isolated and immobilised for a period of 24 hours, as well as to specify the grounds on which these measures are applied.

Another significant problem mentioned in the Ombudsman's opinion is the lack of a legal redress mechanism and other systemic deficits. Emphasis is placed on the Public Statement on Bulgaria of 4 November 2021 of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT). In its concluding observations, the Committee then noted that in its previous reports it had taken due account of the repeated assurances given by the Bulgarian authorities that action would be taken to improve the treatment of persons detained in psychiatric hospitals and social institutions.

"At the same time, the findings of the 2021 visit have once again highlighted the serious and long-standing problems that have not been systematically acted upon. This state of affairs demonstrates a continued lack of action by the Bulgarian authorities on most of the major shortcomings and on the implementation of the Committee's specific and repeated recommendations over many years. The CPT is of the opinion that action along these lines is long overdue and a fundamental change in the approach to the overall issue of mental health care and social care in institutions in Bulgaria is needed," the opinion stresses.

It also draws attention to the fact that in March 2023, the CPT again inspected two psychiatric hospitals in Bulgaria, where it found that violence against patients by staff continued. The Committee considers it a serious failure that the Ministry of Health has failed to stop these unacceptable practices.

"On 23 November 2023, the National Assembly adopted a decision to set up an Ad Hoc Committee to examine the violations of the rights of mentally ill patients found in Bulgaria by the European Committee against Torture and the Ombudsman of the Republic of Bulgaria and to propose legislative changes to guarantee the equal rights of Bulgarian citizens as provided for in the Constitution of the Republic of Bulgaria and the conventions to which the Republic of Bulgaria is a party. Among the tasks of the Committee are: to place at the forefront of the National Strategy for Mental Health; to guarantee respect for the rights of patients; to discuss and propose the abolition of the institution of mental institution; to take the necessary steps, in cooperation with NGOs and medical experts, to ensure the deinstitutionalization of mentally ill patients and respect for their personal choice. The Ombudsman, as the NPM, has proposed to this Ad Hoc Committee legislative changes that address the rights of mentally ill patients," the statement adds.

It further specifies that tragic incidents continue to recur, and one of the Ombudsman's most important recommendations for legislative change, which is not included in the current draft law, is the creation of a single information system in which it is mandatory to record in real time every "immobilisation" and "isolation" from all psychiatric hospitals in the country. This system should link all psychiatric hospitals to the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Health should make publicly available, on a monthly basis, data on coercive measures applied in psychiatric hospitals in the country.

OMBUDSMAN'S RECEPTION-ROOM

• address: 22 George Washington str.,
  1202, Sofia
• phone: (+359 2) 810 6955; fax: (+359 2) 810 6963
• e-mail: priemna@ombudsman.bg

PRE

On July 29, 2025, the Public Defender visited the social housing located in Bolnisi, Sioni No. 1, where six families are currently living.

The social housing is located in the former building of the so-called mining chemistry, which was used to conduct chemical processes. The overall condition of the building is critical in terms of safety. The building has cracks, a collapsed facade, walls often get wet, there are signs of water coming from the ceiling, the sewage system is faulty, and the basement often floods.

As residents note and it is also visually noticeable, one of the main challenges in the building is dampness. Due to the exceptionally high humidity, there is an unbearable smell in the living rooms and the walls are blackened. The general condition of the rooms allocated to the beneficiaries is inadequate, the walls, floor and ceiling are damaged.

It is worth noting that, like the majority of other social housing facilities in Georgia, the facility located in Bolnisi does not have any administration. Thus, the relevant departments of the City Hall do not systematically monitor conditions in the facility or take effective, timely and efficient steps to eliminate the existing challenges.