As a monitoring body of the Council of Europe specialised in the fight against racism, discrimination, xenophobia, antisemitism and intolerance, the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) conducts country monitoring in all Council of Europe member states as one of its statutory activities. This includes country visits; preparation of reports and recommendations, and evaluation of their implementation; analyses from various thematic angles; and relations with civil society. Slovenia regularly reports on the human rights situation in areas covered by ECRI and puts its recommendations into practice.

In her remarks, State Secretary Leskovar underscored ECRI’s role in enhancing the human rights situation in Council of Europe member states. Slovenia condemns any form of violence and incitement to violence and hatred based on personal circumstances. Perceiving education as one of the basic tools for preventing the further growth of hatred and intolerance in society, Slovenia has defined human rights education as a priority of its foreign policy, explained the State Secretary. The country ranks among the most active and recognised members of the international community in this area.

During her stay in Paris, State Secretary Leskovar held talks with Secretary of State for European Affairs of France Amélie de Montchalin, CoE Deputy Secretary General Gabriella Battaini-Dragoni and Commissioner for Human Rights Dunja Mijatović. She also met with Deputy Secretary General of the OECD Ulrik Vestergaard Knudsen and Deputy Executive Director for Advocacy at Human Rights Watch Bruno Stagno Ugarte.