The Human Rights Ombudsman of the Republic of Slovenia (the Ombudsman) opposes the proposed one-year postponement of the application of the Act on the Use of the Language of the Deafblind (ZUJG). On 26 October 2026, the Ombudsman called on the competent Ministry of Demography, Family and Social Affairs to ensure that the Act begins to apply on 1 January 2027, as originally envisaged. The Ombudsman is now also publicly calling on all relevant authorities to abandon the proposed postponement of the Act's application, as there are no justified grounds for it, and to ensure in good time that all necessary conditions for its effective implementation are in place.

Based on discussions with representatives of persons with deafblindness, the Ombudsman notes that the key preparations for the application of the Act have been completed and therefore considers that there are no justified grounds for postponement. The Ombudsman also expresses dissatisfaction that the proposed amendment to the Act was drafted without adequate dialogue with persons with deafblindness and their organisations. This runs counter to the fundamental principle of "nothing about us without us", which is also reflected in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Decisions that directly affect their rights and everyday lives must be made with their active participation.

The draft amendment to the Act on the Use of the Language of the Deafblind (ZUJG-A) provides for postponing the date on which the Act begins to apply from 1 January 2027 to 1 January 2028. The Ombudsman considers that such a postponement would represent a step backwards in ensuring the human rights of persons with deafblindness, who have been waiting for many years for an appropriate systemic framework to address their situation.

The language of the deafblind is a constitutionally protected right

The Ombudsman emphasises that the right to use the language of the deafblind has an explicit basis in the Constitution of the Republic of Slovenia. The second paragraph of Article 62a stipulates that the free use and development of the language of the deafblind shall be regulated by law. This right was enshrined in the Constitution in 2021, thereby recognising the special status of the language of the deafblind and persons with deafblindness as a distinct group of persons with disabilities with their own linguistic and cultural identity.

The Act on the Use of the Language of the Deafblind, adopted in November 2025, represents a significant step towards fulfilling this constitutional commitment. It regulates the right to use the language of the deafblind, access to information through adapted means of communication and interpreting, and other rights that enable persons with deafblindness to participate more equally in education, employment and social life. The Ombudsman emphasises that adjustments for persons with deafblindness are not a special privilege, but a prerequisite for equality.

A postponement will prolong the wait for these rights and will not resolve any potential difficulties

The proposer of the amendment to the Act justifies the need for a postponement, among other things, by citing the need to ensure adequate organisational, staffing, IT and financial conditions, as well as the need for further analyses. While the Ombudsman understands the importance of adequate preparations, the Ombudsman considers that these reasons do not justify any postponement. Potential implementation difficulties, which will only become apparent once the Act is actually being applied, can never be fully anticipated in advance. It would therefore be appropriate to address them if and when they arise.

Nor can the need to ensure the availability of suitably qualified interpreters justify a postponement, as the Act already contains transitional provisions in this regard.

The Ombudsman is also concerned about statements in the explanatory memorandum to the proposal that indicate a possible reassessment of the scope of the right to interpreting and the feasibility of individual legislative solutions. The Ombudsman points out that a postponement must not become a means of curtailing rights that have already been recognised or merely deferring the state's financial obligations. Public finance considerations must not serve as an excuse for delaying the realisation of human rights.

The Ombudsman therefore expects the competent authorities to take this position into account and to ensure the early, timely and meaningful participation of persons with deafblindness and their organisations in all future decisions.

Recognised rights must also be realised in practice

The Ombudsman calls on the competent authorities to make every effort to resolve any outstanding implementation and organisational issues by 1 January 2027 and to ensure that the Act begins to apply smoothly on that date. Once the Act begins to apply, the authorities should systematically monitor its effects and, where necessary, promptly remedy any identified shortcomings, including through amendments to the Act or subordinate legislation, if required.

The Ombudsman emphasises that access to language, communication and interpreting is not a privilege, but a fundamental prerequisite for dignity, independence and equal participation in society. The state has already recognised the rights of persons with deafblindness. It must now ensure that they can exercise those rights in practice.