Today, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia received Matjaž Hanžek, the Human Rights Ombudsman, who presented him with the report for 2005, the eleventh annual report. They agreed that the situation regarding human rights in Slovenia is improving, because there are no seriously critical issues according to the Ombudsman.
PHOTO: Office of the PM
Mr Hanžek stressed it was imperative that a new Patients' Rights Act be passed which would contain provisions for regulating or restricting access to patients' medical records. He also drew attention to the still pending law on mental health, and expressed satisfaction over improved conditions in both the Aliens Centre and the Asylum Centre. In his words, the Aliens Centre in Postojna is one of the best of its kind in Europe. After presenting the situation of judicial affairs, the Ombudsman warned about the burning issue of adjudication within a reasonable period, and raised the matter of citizens' right to correction and reply in the media.
Prime Minister Janša said that he sees the Ombudsman's report as a welcome corrective and the basis for considering potential improvement in the work of government bodies. The government is well aware of certain facts mentioned in the report, and has already taken some relevant measures. Thus, following a group meeting between the PM and inspector generals, the Ministry of Public Administration took over the coordination of work of the Inspectorate Council. In addition, a draft law on the Roma ethnic community has already been prepared. The PM also stressed that everyone should show special consideration for those who live below the poverty line and often fail to raise their voices enough to be heard.
As a result of the various issues raised by the Ombudsman, his report will be considered by all ministries, and they will determine their policies on particular issues. On the basis of their work, the government will soon pass common guidelines for more efficient implementation of the Ombudsman's recommendations.
