You can submit your application in writing. If you do not speak Slovene, you may submit your complaint in your own language.
Form
You do not need to fill in any specific form. A model application form is available on the Ombudsman’s website to help you better structure your application.
Download model application.
Language
The working language of the Ombudsman is Slovenian. If you do not speak Slovene, you may submit your complaint in your own language.
Content
In your application you need to explain clearly:
- what happened
- when did it happen
- which state institutions or officials were involved
- to which institutions or officials have you complained about this situation and what were their responses
- the application needs to contain your name, signature, date and return address
Your application does not need to be in legally correct language or refer to any specific legal provisions, but it has to be clear and understandable. Try to write only about the facts and issues related to the violation about which you are complaining. To help the Ombudsman better understand what has happened, try to keep the text simple, focused and avoid emotional or derogatory language.
The Ombudsman does not accept anonymous applications.
Documents
If you can, please add to your application all the documents related to the situation you are complaining about, especially the complaints you have made already and the responses to them.
Time limits
You should file your complaint within one year from the violation or from the date you received the last response to your complaint about your case.
However, in exceptional cases the Ombudsman will investigate your case if you missed the deadline for objective reasons or the matter is so important that it justifies his action, regardless of the time distance.
Address
Applications must be sent to the following address:
The Ombudsman of the Republic of Slovenia
Dunajska 56
1109 Ljubljana
Slovenija
or
info@varuh-rs.si
Legal aid
You do not need legal aid to complain to the Ombudsman. The procedure is free and informal. Hence, you are not entitled to free legal aid when applying to the Ombudsman in Slovenia.
If you are not sure if your human rights have been violated or whether the Ombudsman can investigate your case, you can email (info@varuh-rs.si) or call (080 15 30) to the Ombudsman’s office prior to making an application.
If you need further legal aid to prepare your application, you will have to hire a lawyer yourself.