On Statehood Day, marking the 35th anniversary of Slovenia’s independence, the Human Rights Ombudswoman, Dr Simona Drenik Bavdek, emphasizes that this national holiday commemorates the Slovenian people’s exercise of their right to self-determination. “The Basic Constitutional Charter on the Sovereignty and Independence of the Republic of Slovenia, adopted on 25 June 1991, provides in Article III, among other things, that the Republic of Slovenia guarantees the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms to everyone within its territory, irrespective of national affiliation and without discrimination, in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Slovenia and the applicable international treaties. This established a clear framework of values that continues to form the cornerstone of Slovenian statehood,” the Ombudswoman said.

She stressed that it is essential for decision-makers to remain mindful of this commitment when adopting legislation, shaping public policies and introducing other measures.

In the days leading up to Statehood Day, Dr Drenik Bavdek accepted invitations to several commemorative events. On 23 June, she attended the Mass for the Homeland, held at Ljubljana Cathedral to mark Statehood Day and the 35th anniversary of Slovenia’s independence. On 24 June, she attended a reception hosted by the President of the Republic at the Presidential Palace.

Ahead of the national holiday, the President of the Republic, Nataša Pirc Musar, received in the Crystal Hall the relatives of members of the Territorial Defence of the Republic of Slovenia and the Ministry of the Interior who lost their lives during the 1991 War for Slovenia, as well as civilian victims and those who were wounded in the conflict.

On the eve of Statehood Day, the Ombudswoman attended the ceremonial session of the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia, followed by the central Statehood Day celebration, which this year, marking the 35th anniversary of Slovenia’s independence, was once again held at Trg republike (Republic Square) in Ljubljana.