Minister Fajon in Geneva: Protecting and promoting human rights is a guiding principle of our foreign policy

"We regard the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) as an additional incentive to enhance the human rights situation in Slovenia. Our country was founded on a commitment to respect, protect and fulfil human rights, which remain the guiding principles of Slovenia’s foreign policy," stated Minister Tanja Fajon in her opening remarks.

In her address, she outlined Slovenia’s key human rights achievements since its last review in November 2019, particularly in the areas of child protection, gender equality, prevention of hate speech, long-term care and the protection of minorities. She highlighted the adoption of the Long-Term Care Act, housing reform and the inclusion of sign language in the Constitution. With regard to gender equality, Slovenia has reached a historic milestone: for the first time, women hold the highest political positions in the country. Combating violence against women and domestic violence remains a priority. Of particular significance for the protection of children is the establishment of the Children's House, which provides a safe and comprehensive environment for child victims of sexual abuse and other crimes. The Minister also underscored efforts to protect minorities and the Roma community, as well as the importance of a comprehensive migration and integration strategy for foreigners.

Ninety-six UN Member States participated in the interactive dialogue with Slovenia, making over 200 recommendations for further improvement. The most frequently raised recommendations related to equality and non-discrimination, including hate speech, women’s rights, minority rights, migrants’ and refugees’ rights and the fight against trafficking in persons.

Following a successful review and dialogue, Minister Fajon stated: "We aspire to contribute to a world where everyone can enjoy a life of dignity and opportunity. This is one of the reasons why Slovenia is standing as a candidate for membership of the UN Human Rights Council for the 2026–2028 term."

The UPR process is based on three key reports: the national report, the report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the report compiled by civil society and other stakeholders. Slovenia’s review will be concluded with the adoption of the final report at the 59th session of the UN Human Rights Council in July 2025.

Slovenia strongly supports the UPR as an effective mechanism of the Human Rights Council, contributing to the advancement of human rights at the global level. Slovenia is among the most active countries in the UPR process, participating in all reviews and making recommendations to all States under review, thereby ensuring their equal treatment.

The UPR is a unique mechanism of the Human Rights Council that requires each UN Member State to undergo a peer review of its human rights record every 4.5 years. These reviews take place in Geneva as part of the sessions of the UPR Working Group. All 193 UN Member States participate in the UPR, engaging in a constructive exchange and making recommendations to each other on how to strengthen human rights protection. The fourth cycle of review is currently under way.

To date, Slovenia has undergone three UPR reviews, in February 2010, November 2014 and November 2019. The current review cycle will be finalised with the adoption of the final report at the 59th session of the Human Rights Council in July 2025.

Today, Slovenia presented its human rights record under the fourth UPR cycle at the 48th session of the UPR Working Group of the Human Rights Council. The Slovenian delegation, comprising representatives of various ministries and government offices, was led by Tanja Fajon, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs.