Human rights and equal opportunities

In Slovenia, human rights and fundamental freedoms are defined in the Constitution and cover various fields. In accordance with the Slovenian Constitution, each individual is guaranteed equality before the law, inviolability of human life, protection of personal liberty, prohibition of torture, freedom of movement, right to health care, education and schooling, and numerous other rights. In Slovenia, everyone is treated equally, irrespective of national origin, race, sex, language, religion, political or other conviction, material standing, education, birth, social status, disability, or any other circumstance.

Human Rights Ombudsman

The central authority for the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms is the Human Rights Ombudsman of the Republic of Slovenia. The Ombudsman acts as an overseer of authorities and limits the extent to which they can encroach on human rights and fundamental freedoms. The Ombudsman is not limited to handling direct violations of human rights but may also act in cases of unfair or ill-treatment of individuals by the authorities.

Human rights protection in international relations

Slovenia takes a comprehensive approach to human rights, meaning that, in addition to security and development, they are regarded as one of the three pillars of international coexistence. Without respect for human rights, there can be no security or economic and social development, and vice versa – without development and security, human rights cannot be fully enjoyed. When addressing human rights, the specifics of individual life stages are taken into consideration and particular attention is drawn to vulnerable social groups.

The key thematic priorities of the Republic of Slovenia in the field of human rights in international relations include gender equality, children’s rights, rights of older persons, human rights education, human rights and the environment, business and human rights, and elimination of all forms of discrimination, including discrimination against LGBT persons. Slovenia also advocates for the universal abolition of the death penalty and of torture.

Business and human rights

Slovenia attaches great importance to respect for human rights in business, and thus in November 2018 the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights was adopted. The purpose of the NAP is to ensure that the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and other relevant international mechanisms in this area are implemented. The planned measures are intended to strengthen activities designed to ensure that human rights are respected in business activities throughout the value chain. Moreover, they are aimed at further developing cooperation between the state, business enterprises and associations, unions, NGOs and other stakeholders.

Temporary suspension of human rights

Human rights may exceptionally be temporarily suspended or restricted during a war or a state of emergency only for the duration of such circumstances and in such a manner that the measures do not create inequality based on any of the aforementioned personal circumstances.