Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 20th Session
Universal Periodic Review of Slovenia
4 November 2014
Australia commends Slovenia’s engagement in the Universal Periodic Review and welcomes the strong framework of civil and political rights enjoyed by Slovenian citizens.
Australia commends Slovenia on the progress made to recognise those citizens who were “erased” from public records following Slovenia’s independence in 1991. Australia remains concerned that a substantial number of those “erased” citizens still face discrimination, including restrictions on the legal recognition of their citizenship status. Many “erased” also continue to be subjected to violations of their welfare and labour-related rights. Australia recommends that Slovenia recognise fully the civil and political rights of “erased" citizens and facilitate their complete social reintegration.
Australia welcomes the establishment of equality bodies, such as the Advocate of the Principle of Equality, which have an important role in strengthening human rights protection in Slovenia. Australia recommends that Slovenia broaden the mandate of its equality bodies and increase their human and financial resources.
Australia notes that Roma populations in Slovenia continue to suffer from violence, discrimination and inequality, including in employment, health and well-being. Australia recommends Slovenia strengthen its human rights framework, including access to human rights training, in order to increase protections for Roma people against violations of their rights.