The Ombudsman (in Slovenian Varuh Ĩlovekovih pravic) is a state institution responsible for safeguarding your human rights in Slovenia. The Ombudsman is independent from the government, the parliament and the courts.

The Ombudsman can investigate complaints related to potential human rights violations and determine whether your human rights have been violated. He can also suggest that the government amend a law if he has discovered that certain legal provisions have a negative effect on human rights or good governance. 

The Ombudsman can only investigate situations relating to a violation of your human rights by Slovenian state institutions and companies exercising state authority. In case a person, who is not a state official, or a private company has violated your rights, you must first file a complaint to the institution responsible for investigating such situations (such as the police, the civil court, the State Data Inspectorate, the Advocate of the Principle of Equality). However, in such cases the Ombudsperson can put pressure on the state bodies, local government bodies and holders of public authority responsible for supervising the work of the private company or individual.

Before lodging a complaint to the Ombudsman be sure to find out whether there is an ordinary complaint to the relevant institution available to you. 

example If you believe that a judge has unlawfully refused to invite your witnesses to a hearing at a court of first instance, you have to first complain about it to the court of appeal, or if necessary, a court of cassation. You can then write to the Ombudsman, but only if those courts have not reacted to your complaint.

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Last updated 15/03/2022