| SLOVENIA Republic of Slovenia Republika Slovenija Joined United Nations: 22 March 1992 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 12/02/10 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Ljubljana
2,003,136 (July 2010 est.)
Borut Pahor
Prime Minister since 07 November 2008
Prime Minister since 07 November 2008
President elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for
a second term); election last held 21 October and 11 November
2007
Next scheduled election: 8 October 2012
a second term); election last held 21 October and 11 November
2007
Next scheduled election: 8 October 2012
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
SELECTION PROCESS
Following National Assembly elections, the leader of the majority
party or the leader of a majority coalition is usually nominated to
become prime minister by the president and elected by the
National Assembly; election last held on 21 September 2008
Next scheduled election: 8 October 2012
party or the leader of a majority coalition is usually nominated to
become prime minister by the president and elected by the
National Assembly; election last held on 21 September 2008
Next scheduled election: 8 October 2012
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
Slovene 83.1%, Serb 2%, Croat 1.8%, Bosniak 1.1%, other or unspecified 12% (2002 census)
| RELIGIONS |
Catholic 57.8%, Muslim 2.4%, Orthodox 2.3%, other Christian 0.9%, unaffiliated 3.5%, other or unspecified 23%, none 10.1% (2002
census)
census)
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Parliamentary republic with 182 municipalities (obcine, singular - obcina) and 11 urban municipalities (mestne obcine , singular - mestna
obcina ); Legal system is based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Executive: President elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held 21 October and 11
November 2007 (next to be held in the fall of 2012); following National Assembly elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of
a majority coalition is usually nominated to become prime minister by the president and elected by the National Assembly; election last held
21 September 2008 (next to be held 8 October 2012)
Legislative: Bicameral Parliament consists of a National Assembly or Drzavni Zbor (90 seats; 40 members are directly elected and
50 are elected on a proportional basis; note - the number of directly elected and proportionally elected seats varies with each
election; the constitution mandates 1 seat each for Slovenia's Hungarian and Italian minorities; members are elected by popular vote
to serve four-year terms) and the National Council or Drzavni Svet (40 seats; members indirectly elected by an electoral college to
serve five-year terms; note - this is primarily an advisory body with limited legislative powers; it may propose laws, ask to review
any National Assembly decision, and call national referenda)
elections: National Assembly - last held 21 September 2008 (next National Assembly elections to be held in 8 October 2012)
Judicial: Supreme Court (judges are elected by the National Assembly on the recommendation of the Judicial Council);
Constitutional Court (judges elected for nine-year terms by the National Assembly and nominated by the president)
obcina ); Legal system is based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Executive: President elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held 21 October and 11
November 2007 (next to be held in the fall of 2012); following National Assembly elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of
a majority coalition is usually nominated to become prime minister by the president and elected by the National Assembly; election last held
21 September 2008 (next to be held 8 October 2012)
Legislative: Bicameral Parliament consists of a National Assembly or Drzavni Zbor (90 seats; 40 members are directly elected and
50 are elected on a proportional basis; note - the number of directly elected and proportionally elected seats varies with each
election; the constitution mandates 1 seat each for Slovenia's Hungarian and Italian minorities; members are elected by popular vote
to serve four-year terms) and the National Council or Drzavni Svet (40 seats; members indirectly elected by an electoral college to
serve five-year terms; note - this is primarily an advisory body with limited legislative powers; it may propose laws, ask to review
any National Assembly decision, and call national referenda)
elections: National Assembly - last held 21 September 2008 (next National Assembly elections to be held in 8 October 2012)
Judicial: Supreme Court (judges are elected by the National Assembly on the recommendation of the Judicial Council);
Constitutional Court (judges elected for nine-year terms by the National Assembly and nominated by the president)
| LANGUAGES |
Slovenian 91.1%, Serbo-Croatian 4.5%, other or unspecified 4.4% (2002 census)
| BRIEF HISTORY |
In ancient times Celts and Illyrians inhabited the territory of present-day Slovenia. The Roman Empire established its rule in the
region in the 1st century, after 200 years of fighting with the local tribes. The most important ancient Roman cities in this area
included: Celeia (now Celje), Emona (Ljubljana), Nauportus (Vrhnika), Poetovio (Ptuj). The modern country's territory was split
among the Roman provinces of Dalmatia, Italia, Noricum, and Pannonia. The Slavic Duchy of Karantania mainly occupied the
territory of today's Austrian Carinthia and Slovenian Carinthia. It emerged from the ashes of the first Slavic union: Samo's Tribal
Union. Samo connected the Western and the Southern Slavic tribes. The union extended from the Baltic Sea to the Adriatic Sea. Its
purpose was to defend the Slavs from the Bavarians, the Langobards and the Avars. It collapsed due to the death of Samo (658)
and the disconnected link between the western and the southern Slavs. After the demise of Samo's Tribal Union, Karantanians
established their duchy under the guidance of Knez (Lord) Valuk. In 745 Karantania joined the Frankish kingdom as an
independent country with its own law (consuetudo Sclavorum) and preserved the inauguration of its knez (prince) in the Slovenian
language until the year 1414 on the Prince's Stone (knežji kamen). Until the year 1651 the oath ceremony of the lord took place at
the Duke's Chair (vojvodski stol) and then, until the year 1728, in the county house in Klagenfurt (Celovec). From as early as the
9th century, the lands inhabited by Karantanians, later Slovenes, fell under non-Karantanian ruler, including partial but co-operative
control by Bavarian dukes and by the Republic of Venice. The Slovenes living in the provinces of Carinthia, Carniola and Styria,
lived under the rule of the Habsburg dynasty from the 14th century until 1918, with the exceptions of Napoleon's 4-year tutelage of
parts of modern-day Slovenia and Croatia — the "Illyrian provinces" and Prekmurje region was managed by Ottomans
approximately 150 years. While the elites of these regions mostly became Germanized, the peasants strongly resisted Germanization
influences and retained their unique Slavic language and culture. A major step towards the social and cultural emancipation of the
Slovenians happened during the Reformation, when Primož Trubar published the first printed books in the Slovenian language
(Catechismus and Abecedarium, 1550 in Tübingen, Germany). Protestant publishing in Slovene culminated by a full translation of
the Bible (Jurij Dalmatin, Wittenberg 1584). Even though the majority of the population assumed Protestant teaching, the region
became re-Catholicized under the rule of Archduke Ferdinand of Inner Austria (ruled 1590 - 1637), who later became Emperor
and pursued similar policies in the other Habsburg territories. See also: Croatian and Slovenian peasant revolt of 1573. In the 19th
century intellectuals codified Slovene into a literary language, and Slovene nationalist movements began to take hold, initially
demanding Slovene autonomy within the framework of the Habsburg Monarchy (see United Slovenia). In the second half of 19th
century, Slovenia gained an administrative autonomy in the province of Carinthia. Other provinces settled with Slovenians had some
cultural and educational concessions. In 1918, after World War I, the Slovenes joined with other southern Slav peoples in forming
the State of Slovenes, Croats and Serbs (October 29, 1918) and then the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes (December 1,
1918) under King Peter I of Serbia. In 1929, the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes was renamed as the Kingdom of
Yugoslavia. In 1941, Yugoslavia fell to the Axis powers during the invasion of Yugoslavia. After Yugoslavia fell, Germany, Italy,
and Hungary each annexed parts of Slovenia, the largest part being Lower Styria which was annexed to the "Ostmark" (Nazi
German Austria). Following Yugoslav partisan resistance to German, Hungarian, and Italian occupation and the elimination of
quisling groups, Josip Broz Tito established the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in 1945. During the immediate postwar
period, political opponents and members of non-communist armed formations were imprisoned and executed, and many were
buried in unmarked mass graves. Following the 1948 Tito-Stalin split, measures became less repressive. Slovenia formed a
constituent republic of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Slovenia continued to form Yugoslavia's most prosperous and
advanced republic throughout the communist era. Slovenia was at the forefront of Yugoslavia's unique version of communism. The
independence of Slovenia came about as a result of the dissolution of Yugoslavia, and the rise of nationalism. Crisis emerged in
Yugoslavia with the weakening of communism in Eastern Europe towards the end of the Cold War in the late 1980s. In Yugoslavia,
the federal Communist party, officially called Alliance or League of Communists, was losing its ideological dominance. At the same
time, nationalist and separatist ideologies were on the rise in the late 1980s throughout Yugoslavia. This was particularly noticeable
in Serbia and Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and to a lesser extent in Slovenia and the Republic of Macedonia. Slobodan
Milošević's rise to power in Serbia, and his rhetoric in favour of the unity of all Serbs, was responded to with nationalist movements
in other republics, particularly Croatia and Slovenia. These Republics began to seek greater autonomy within the Federation,
including confederative status and even full independence. Nationalism also grew within the still ruling League of Communists. So the
weakening of the communist regime allowed nationalism to become a more powerful force in Yugoslav politics. In January 1990,
the League of Communists broke up on the lines of the individual Republics. On December 23, 1990, 88% of Slovenia's population
voted for independence in a plebiscite, and on June 25, 1991, the Republic of Slovenia declared its independence. A 10-day war
with Yugoslavia followed (June 27, 1991 - July 6, 1991). The Yugoslav People's Army (JNA) forces withdrew after Slovenia
demonstrated stiff resistance to Belgrade. The conflict resulted in relatively few casualties: 67 people were killed according to
statistics compiled by the International Red Cross, of which most (39) were JNA soldiers. Slovenia joined the United Nations on
May 22, 1992. Historical ties to Western Europe made Slovenia a strong candidate for accession to the European Union. This
occurred on May 1, 2004. The other Yugoslav Republics all had to remain outside the European Union. Just a few weeks earlier -
in March 2004 - Slovenia had become a member of NATO. The boundaries of Slovenia today are as they were as a Socialist
Republic prior to independence, but a series of border disputes arose between Slovenia and its neighbour Croatia. The Slovenian
tolar became part of the European Exchange Rate Mechanism in 2004. Slovenia joined the European Monetary Union and adopted
the Euro as its currency on the 1 January 2007 as the first of the new member countries. Slovenia implemented Schengen
Agreement on December 21, 2007.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Slovenia
region in the 1st century, after 200 years of fighting with the local tribes. The most important ancient Roman cities in this area
included: Celeia (now Celje), Emona (Ljubljana), Nauportus (Vrhnika), Poetovio (Ptuj). The modern country's territory was split
among the Roman provinces of Dalmatia, Italia, Noricum, and Pannonia. The Slavic Duchy of Karantania mainly occupied the
territory of today's Austrian Carinthia and Slovenian Carinthia. It emerged from the ashes of the first Slavic union: Samo's Tribal
Union. Samo connected the Western and the Southern Slavic tribes. The union extended from the Baltic Sea to the Adriatic Sea. Its
purpose was to defend the Slavs from the Bavarians, the Langobards and the Avars. It collapsed due to the death of Samo (658)
and the disconnected link between the western and the southern Slavs. After the demise of Samo's Tribal Union, Karantanians
established their duchy under the guidance of Knez (Lord) Valuk. In 745 Karantania joined the Frankish kingdom as an
independent country with its own law (consuetudo Sclavorum) and preserved the inauguration of its knez (prince) in the Slovenian
language until the year 1414 on the Prince's Stone (knežji kamen). Until the year 1651 the oath ceremony of the lord took place at
the Duke's Chair (vojvodski stol) and then, until the year 1728, in the county house in Klagenfurt (Celovec). From as early as the
9th century, the lands inhabited by Karantanians, later Slovenes, fell under non-Karantanian ruler, including partial but co-operative
control by Bavarian dukes and by the Republic of Venice. The Slovenes living in the provinces of Carinthia, Carniola and Styria,
lived under the rule of the Habsburg dynasty from the 14th century until 1918, with the exceptions of Napoleon's 4-year tutelage of
parts of modern-day Slovenia and Croatia — the "Illyrian provinces" and Prekmurje region was managed by Ottomans
approximately 150 years. While the elites of these regions mostly became Germanized, the peasants strongly resisted Germanization
influences and retained their unique Slavic language and culture. A major step towards the social and cultural emancipation of the
Slovenians happened during the Reformation, when Primož Trubar published the first printed books in the Slovenian language
(Catechismus and Abecedarium, 1550 in Tübingen, Germany). Protestant publishing in Slovene culminated by a full translation of
the Bible (Jurij Dalmatin, Wittenberg 1584). Even though the majority of the population assumed Protestant teaching, the region
became re-Catholicized under the rule of Archduke Ferdinand of Inner Austria (ruled 1590 - 1637), who later became Emperor
and pursued similar policies in the other Habsburg territories. See also: Croatian and Slovenian peasant revolt of 1573. In the 19th
century intellectuals codified Slovene into a literary language, and Slovene nationalist movements began to take hold, initially
demanding Slovene autonomy within the framework of the Habsburg Monarchy (see United Slovenia). In the second half of 19th
century, Slovenia gained an administrative autonomy in the province of Carinthia. Other provinces settled with Slovenians had some
cultural and educational concessions. In 1918, after World War I, the Slovenes joined with other southern Slav peoples in forming
the State of Slovenes, Croats and Serbs (October 29, 1918) and then the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes (December 1,
1918) under King Peter I of Serbia. In 1929, the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes was renamed as the Kingdom of
Yugoslavia. In 1941, Yugoslavia fell to the Axis powers during the invasion of Yugoslavia. After Yugoslavia fell, Germany, Italy,
and Hungary each annexed parts of Slovenia, the largest part being Lower Styria which was annexed to the "Ostmark" (Nazi
German Austria). Following Yugoslav partisan resistance to German, Hungarian, and Italian occupation and the elimination of
quisling groups, Josip Broz Tito established the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in 1945. During the immediate postwar
period, political opponents and members of non-communist armed formations were imprisoned and executed, and many were
buried in unmarked mass graves. Following the 1948 Tito-Stalin split, measures became less repressive. Slovenia formed a
constituent republic of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Slovenia continued to form Yugoslavia's most prosperous and
advanced republic throughout the communist era. Slovenia was at the forefront of Yugoslavia's unique version of communism. The
independence of Slovenia came about as a result of the dissolution of Yugoslavia, and the rise of nationalism. Crisis emerged in
Yugoslavia with the weakening of communism in Eastern Europe towards the end of the Cold War in the late 1980s. In Yugoslavia,
the federal Communist party, officially called Alliance or League of Communists, was losing its ideological dominance. At the same
time, nationalist and separatist ideologies were on the rise in the late 1980s throughout Yugoslavia. This was particularly noticeable
in Serbia and Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and to a lesser extent in Slovenia and the Republic of Macedonia. Slobodan
Milošević's rise to power in Serbia, and his rhetoric in favour of the unity of all Serbs, was responded to with nationalist movements
in other republics, particularly Croatia and Slovenia. These Republics began to seek greater autonomy within the Federation,
including confederative status and even full independence. Nationalism also grew within the still ruling League of Communists. So the
weakening of the communist regime allowed nationalism to become a more powerful force in Yugoslav politics. In January 1990,
the League of Communists broke up on the lines of the individual Republics. On December 23, 1990, 88% of Slovenia's population
voted for independence in a plebiscite, and on June 25, 1991, the Republic of Slovenia declared its independence. A 10-day war
with Yugoslavia followed (June 27, 1991 - July 6, 1991). The Yugoslav People's Army (JNA) forces withdrew after Slovenia
demonstrated stiff resistance to Belgrade. The conflict resulted in relatively few casualties: 67 people were killed according to
statistics compiled by the International Red Cross, of which most (39) were JNA soldiers. Slovenia joined the United Nations on
May 22, 1992. Historical ties to Western Europe made Slovenia a strong candidate for accession to the European Union. This
occurred on May 1, 2004. The other Yugoslav Republics all had to remain outside the European Union. Just a few weeks earlier -
in March 2004 - Slovenia had become a member of NATO. The boundaries of Slovenia today are as they were as a Socialist
Republic prior to independence, but a series of border disputes arose between Slovenia and its neighbour Croatia. The Slovenian
tolar became part of the European Exchange Rate Mechanism in 2004. Slovenia joined the European Monetary Union and adopted
the Euro as its currency on the 1 January 2007 as the first of the new member countries. Slovenia implemented Schengen
Agreement on December 21, 2007.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Slovenia
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
Slovenia became the first 2004 European Union entrant to adopt the euro (on 1 January 2007) and has become a model of
economic success and stability for the region. With the highest per capita GDP in Central Europe, Slovenia has excellent
infrastructure, a well-educated work force, and a strategic location between the Balkans and Western Europe. Privatization has
lagged since 2002, and the economy has one of highest levels of state control in the EU. Structural reforms to improve the business
environment have allowed for somewhat greater foreign participation in Slovenia's economy and have helped to lower
unemployment. In March 2004, Slovenia became the first transition country to graduate from borrower status to donor partner at
the World Bank. In December 2007, Slovenia was invited to begin the accession process for joining the OECD. Despite its
economic success, foreign direct investment (FDI) in Slovenia has lagged behind the region average, and taxes remain relatively
high. Furthermore, the labor market is often seen as inflexible, and legacy industries are losing sales to more competitive firms in
China, India, and elsewhere. In 2009, the world recession caused the economy to contract - through falling exports and industrial
production - by more than 7%, and unemployment to rise above 9%.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Slovenia)
economic success and stability for the region. With the highest per capita GDP in Central Europe, Slovenia has excellent
infrastructure, a well-educated work force, and a strategic location between the Balkans and Western Europe. Privatization has
lagged since 2002, and the economy has one of highest levels of state control in the EU. Structural reforms to improve the business
environment have allowed for somewhat greater foreign participation in Slovenia's economy and have helped to lower
unemployment. In March 2004, Slovenia became the first transition country to graduate from borrower status to donor partner at
the World Bank. In December 2007, Slovenia was invited to begin the accession process for joining the OECD. Despite its
economic success, foreign direct investment (FDI) in Slovenia has lagged behind the region average, and taxes remain relatively
high. Furthermore, the labor market is often seen as inflexible, and legacy industries are losing sales to more competitive firms in
China, India, and elsewhere. In 2009, the world recession caused the economy to contract - through falling exports and industrial
production - by more than 7%, and unemployment to rise above 9%.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Slovenia)
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
Ten years after independence, Slovenia has made tremendous progress establishing democratic institutions, enshrining respect for
human rights, establishing a market economy and adapting its military to Western norms and standards. In contrast to its neighbors,
civil tranquility and strong economic growth have marked this period. Upon achieving independence, Slovenia offered citizenship to
all residents, regardless of ethnicity or origin, avoiding a sectarian trap that has caught out many central European countries. Slovenia
willingly accepted refugees from the fighting in Bosnia and has since participated in international stabilization efforts in the region.
On the international front, Slovenia has advanced rapidly toward integration into the Euro-Atlantic community of nations. Invited to
begin accession negotiations with the European Union in November 1998, Slovenia has achieve two of its primary foreign policy
goals--membership in the EU and NATO. Slovenia also participates in the Southeast Europe Cooperation Initiative (SECI).
Slovenia remains firmly committed to achieving NATO membership in a second round of enlargement. Slovenia has been an active
participant in Partnership for Peace (PfP) and has sought to demonstrate its preparedness to take on the responsibilities and
burdens of membership in the Alliance. The United States looks to Slovenia to play a productive role in continuing security efforts
throughout the region. It has done much—contributing to the success of IFOR, SFOR, efforts in Albania, the Republic of
Macedonia, Montenegro, Kosovo, and elsewhere—and has continued to expand actively its constructive regional engagement.
Slovenia is one of the focus countries for the United States' southeast European policy, aimed at reinforcing regional stability and
integration. The Slovenian Government is well-positioned to be an influential role model for other southeast European governments
at different stages of reform and integration. To these ends, the United States urges Slovenia to maintain momentum on internal
economic, political, and legal reforms, while expanding their international cooperation as resources allow. Although harmonization
with EU law and standards will require great efforts, already underway, the EU accession process will serve to advance Slovenia's
structural reform agenda. U.S. and Allied efforts to assist Slovenia's military restructuring and modernization efforts are ongoing.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Slovenia
human rights, establishing a market economy and adapting its military to Western norms and standards. In contrast to its neighbors,
civil tranquility and strong economic growth have marked this period. Upon achieving independence, Slovenia offered citizenship to
all residents, regardless of ethnicity or origin, avoiding a sectarian trap that has caught out many central European countries. Slovenia
willingly accepted refugees from the fighting in Bosnia and has since participated in international stabilization efforts in the region.
On the international front, Slovenia has advanced rapidly toward integration into the Euro-Atlantic community of nations. Invited to
begin accession negotiations with the European Union in November 1998, Slovenia has achieve two of its primary foreign policy
goals--membership in the EU and NATO. Slovenia also participates in the Southeast Europe Cooperation Initiative (SECI).
Slovenia remains firmly committed to achieving NATO membership in a second round of enlargement. Slovenia has been an active
participant in Partnership for Peace (PfP) and has sought to demonstrate its preparedness to take on the responsibilities and
burdens of membership in the Alliance. The United States looks to Slovenia to play a productive role in continuing security efforts
throughout the region. It has done much—contributing to the success of IFOR, SFOR, efforts in Albania, the Republic of
Macedonia, Montenegro, Kosovo, and elsewhere—and has continued to expand actively its constructive regional engagement.
Slovenia is one of the focus countries for the United States' southeast European policy, aimed at reinforcing regional stability and
integration. The Slovenian Government is well-positioned to be an influential role model for other southeast European governments
at different stages of reform and integration. To these ends, the United States urges Slovenia to maintain momentum on internal
economic, political, and legal reforms, while expanding their international cooperation as resources allow. Although harmonization
with EU law and standards will require great efforts, already underway, the EU accession process will serve to advance Slovenia's
structural reform agenda. U.S. and Allied efforts to assist Slovenia's military restructuring and modernization efforts are ongoing.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Slovenia
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
The Croatia-Slovenia land and maritime boundary agreement, which would have ceded most of Piran Bay and maritime access to
Slovenia and several villages to Croatia, remains unratified and in dispute; Slovenia also protests Croatia's 2003 claim to an
exclusive economic zone in the Adriatic; as a member state that forms part of the EU's external border, Slovenia has implemented
the strict Schengen border rules to curb illegal migration and commerce through southeastern Europe while encouraging close
cross-border ties with Croatia
Slovenia and several villages to Croatia, remains unratified and in dispute; Slovenia also protests Croatia's 2003 claim to an
exclusive economic zone in the Adriatic; as a member state that forms part of the EU's external border, Slovenia has implemented
the strict Schengen border rules to curb illegal migration and commerce through southeastern Europe while encouraging close
cross-border ties with Croatia
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDPS) |
None reported.
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
Minor transit point for cocaine and Southwest Asian heroin bound for Western Europe, and for precursor chemicals
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2009 Human Rights Report: Slovenia
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Slovenia is a parliamentary democracy and constitutional republic with a population of approximately two million. Power is shared
between a directly elected president (head of state), a prime minister (head of government), and a bicameral parliament composed of the
National Assembly (lower house) and the National Council (upper house). In September 2008 the country held free and fair multiparty
parliamentary elections. Civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of the security forces.
The government generally respected the human rights of its citizens; however, there were problems in some areas.
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Slovenia is a parliamentary democracy and constitutional republic with a population of approximately two million. Power is shared
between a directly elected president (head of state), a prime minister (head of government), and a bicameral parliament composed of the
National Assembly (lower house) and the National Council (upper house). In September 2008 the country held free and fair multiparty
parliamentary elections. Civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of the security forces.
The government generally respected the human rights of its citizens; however, there were problems in some areas.
- There were reports of trial delays and cursory procedures for review of asylum applications.
- Societal violence against women,
- trafficking in women and girls,
- discrimination against Roma,
- violence against gays and lesbians,
- discrimination against former Yugoslav residents without legal status were also problems.
27 August 2010
Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Seventy-seventh session
2 –27 August 2010
Consideration of reports submitted by States parties under article 9 of the convention
Concluding observations of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Slovenia
A. Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the combined sixth and seventh periodic reports of the State party, which included
responses to the concerns raised in the Committee’s previous concluding observations (CERD/C/62/CO/9), and the opportunity thus
offered to resume the dialogue with the State party. It also expresses appreciation for the frank and sincere dialogue held with the
delegation as well as the oral responses provided to the list of themes and the wide range of questions posed by Committee members.
B. Positive aspects
3. The Committee notes with satisfaction the establishment of two programes: program of special care and program for the
integration within the Ministry of Culture aimed at combating social exclusion and marginalization of the ethnic minorities residing in
Slovenia.
4. The Committee welcomes the adoption of a project called “promotion of employability, education and social inclusion of migrant
workers and their families”.
C. Concerns and recommendations
7. The Committee has taken note of the 2002 census data provided by the State party on the ethnic composition of the population
and the main minorities residing in Slovenia. It is concerned, however, about the insufficient data of persons from certain minority
groups, particularly minorities from former Yugoslav republics.
The Committee recommends that, in accordance with paragraphs 10 to 12 of the reporting guidelines for the CERD-specific
document adopted at its seventy-first session (CERD/C/2007/1), the State party provide information on the use of mother tongues as
indicative of ethnic differences, together with information derived from targeted social surveys performed on a voluntary basis, with full
respect for the privacy and anonymity of the individuals concerned, and recalls its general recommendation 8 concerning the self-
identification of members of racial and ethnic groups.
Click here to read more »
Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Seventy-seventh session
2 –27 August 2010
Consideration of reports submitted by States parties under article 9 of the convention
Concluding observations of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Slovenia
A. Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the combined sixth and seventh periodic reports of the State party, which included
responses to the concerns raised in the Committee’s previous concluding observations (CERD/C/62/CO/9), and the opportunity thus
offered to resume the dialogue with the State party. It also expresses appreciation for the frank and sincere dialogue held with the
delegation as well as the oral responses provided to the list of themes and the wide range of questions posed by Committee members.
B. Positive aspects
3. The Committee notes with satisfaction the establishment of two programes: program of special care and program for the
integration within the Ministry of Culture aimed at combating social exclusion and marginalization of the ethnic minorities residing in
Slovenia.
4. The Committee welcomes the adoption of a project called “promotion of employability, education and social inclusion of migrant
workers and their families”.
C. Concerns and recommendations
7. The Committee has taken note of the 2002 census data provided by the State party on the ethnic composition of the population
and the main minorities residing in Slovenia. It is concerned, however, about the insufficient data of persons from certain minority
groups, particularly minorities from former Yugoslav republics.
The Committee recommends that, in accordance with paragraphs 10 to 12 of the reporting guidelines for the CERD-specific
document adopted at its seventy-first session (CERD/C/2007/1), the State party provide information on the use of mother tongues as
indicative of ethnic differences, together with information derived from targeted social surveys performed on a voluntary basis, with full
respect for the privacy and anonymity of the individuals concerned, and recalls its general recommendation 8 concerning the self-
identification of members of racial and ethnic groups.
Click here to read more »
Freedom In The World 2010 Report
Political Rights Score: 1
Civil Liberties Score: 1
Status: Free
Overview
Prime Minister Borut Pahor’s government came under attack in the fall of 2009 from a number of trade unions demanding better pay or
an increase in the minimum wage rate, both of which are opposed by business groups. The long-awaited construction of a mosque in
Ljubljana was delayed again in 2009 as the Islamic Community in Slovenia continued to face challenges. Meanwhile, a number of
lingering issues kept Slovenia and Croatia from resolving a long-running border dispute, despite a tentative agreement made between
Pahor and his Croatian counterpart in September.
In the September 2008 parliamentary elections, the SD captured 29 seats and some 30 percent of the vote, followed by the SDS with 28
seats. SD leader Borut Pahor, who became prime minister, formed a coalition government with three small parties: the center-left Zares
(9 seats), the Democratic Party of Pensioners of Slovenia (7 seats), and the once-powerful LDS (5 seats). The remaining seats in the 90-
member lower house went to the far-right Slovene National Party (5 seats), an alliance of the Slovene People’s Party and the Slovene
Youth Party (5 seats), and the Hungarian and Italian ethnic minorities (1 seat each).
Slovenia has widely been considered one of the Eastern European success stories of the postcommunist period. In 2004, the country
joined both the European Union (EU) and NATO, and from January–June 2008, Slovenia was the first former communist bloc state to
hold the EU’s rotating presidency. In 2006, Slovenia became the first former communist state to adopt the euro as its official currency.
Slovenia’s most important foreign policy problem is resolving its 18-year-old border dispute with neighboring Croatia. The dispute
concerns the delineation of the two countries’ maritime border in the Bay of Piran, and parts of their common territorial border. In
September 2009, Pahor and his Croatian counterpart, Jadranka Kosor, agreed to submit the dispute to international arbitration, pending
ratification of their agreement by both states’ parliaments. However, the two parliaments had not endorsed the agreement by year’s end.
Slovenia is an electoral democracy. The country has a bicameral Parliament: members of the 90-seat National Assembly, which chooses
the prime minister, are elected to four-year terms; and the 40-seat National Council, a largely advisory body, represents professional
groups and local interests. The president is directly elected for up to two five-year terms. Elections since independence have been
considered free and fair. Slovenia’s main political parties are the center-left SD, led by current Prime Minister Borut Pahor, and the
center-right SDS of former prime minister Janez Jansa. Such large parties generally govern in coalition with smaller parties.
Click here to read more »
Political Rights Score: 1
Civil Liberties Score: 1
Status: Free
Overview
Prime Minister Borut Pahor’s government came under attack in the fall of 2009 from a number of trade unions demanding better pay or
an increase in the minimum wage rate, both of which are opposed by business groups. The long-awaited construction of a mosque in
Ljubljana was delayed again in 2009 as the Islamic Community in Slovenia continued to face challenges. Meanwhile, a number of
lingering issues kept Slovenia and Croatia from resolving a long-running border dispute, despite a tentative agreement made between
Pahor and his Croatian counterpart in September.
In the September 2008 parliamentary elections, the SD captured 29 seats and some 30 percent of the vote, followed by the SDS with 28
seats. SD leader Borut Pahor, who became prime minister, formed a coalition government with three small parties: the center-left Zares
(9 seats), the Democratic Party of Pensioners of Slovenia (7 seats), and the once-powerful LDS (5 seats). The remaining seats in the 90-
member lower house went to the far-right Slovene National Party (5 seats), an alliance of the Slovene People’s Party and the Slovene
Youth Party (5 seats), and the Hungarian and Italian ethnic minorities (1 seat each).
Slovenia has widely been considered one of the Eastern European success stories of the postcommunist period. In 2004, the country
joined both the European Union (EU) and NATO, and from January–June 2008, Slovenia was the first former communist bloc state to
hold the EU’s rotating presidency. In 2006, Slovenia became the first former communist state to adopt the euro as its official currency.
Slovenia’s most important foreign policy problem is resolving its 18-year-old border dispute with neighboring Croatia. The dispute
concerns the delineation of the two countries’ maritime border in the Bay of Piran, and parts of their common territorial border. In
September 2009, Pahor and his Croatian counterpart, Jadranka Kosor, agreed to submit the dispute to international arbitration, pending
ratification of their agreement by both states’ parliaments. However, the two parliaments had not endorsed the agreement by year’s end.
Slovenia is an electoral democracy. The country has a bicameral Parliament: members of the 90-seat National Assembly, which chooses
the prime minister, are elected to four-year terms; and the 40-seat National Council, a largely advisory body, represents professional
groups and local interests. The president is directly elected for up to two five-year terms. Elections since independence have been
considered free and fair. Slovenia’s main political parties are the center-left SD, led by current Prime Minister Borut Pahor, and the
center-right SDS of former prime minister Janez Jansa. Such large parties generally govern in coalition with smaller parties.
Click here to read more »
PUBLIC STATEMENT
9 June 2010
Slovenia: Amnesty International calls for an end to discrimination against Roma and for reparation for the “erased”.
Amnesty International welcomes the acceptance by Slovenia of many of the recommendations made to it. Many reflect Amnesty
International’s concerns and recommendations.
The organization welcomes the adoption in March 2010 of the integrated national programme of measures for Romani people for the
2010–2015 period outlining government measures to combat discrimination against Roma in access to education, housing, health care,
employment, living conditions and other areas. Amnesty International calls on the government to ensure that the programme is
implemented within the established deadlines and in consultation with Roma communities.
Amnesty International appreciates Slovenia’s support of the recommendation to improve living conditions of Roma.1 In implementing
this recommendation the organization calls on the authorities to address the inadequate housing conditions of many Roma, including lack
of access to water, sanitation and electricity. It is also crucial that the authorities refrain from forcible evictions of Roma communities.
The situation of the “erased” was raised by many States during the review and Amnesty International welcomes Slovenia’s acceptance
of the majority of the related recommendations.2 The adoption in March 2010 of the law regulating the legal status of the “erased” is a
positive development; however, the organization is concerned at attempts to organize a referendum on the new law which, if successful,
could overturn it. Amnesty International fears that this could lead to further discrimination against the “erased”.
Amnesty International also regrets that, other than restoring their status, the authorities have failed to adopt legislative and other measures
to grant full reparation to the “erased”. Amnesty International calls on Slovenia to develop a reparation programme for the “erased”
which should include restitution, satisfaction, compensation, rehabilitation and guarantees of non-repetition, as defined by international
law.
Background
The UN Human Rights Council adopted the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review of Slovenia on 9 June 2010 during its 14thsession.
Prior to the adoption of the report of the review Amnesty International delivered the oral statement above. Amnesty International also
contributed to the information basis for the review through its submission on Slovenia: http://www.amnesty.
org/en/library/info/EUR68/004/2009/en
Click here to read more »
9 June 2010
Slovenia: Amnesty International calls for an end to discrimination against Roma and for reparation for the “erased”.
Amnesty International welcomes the acceptance by Slovenia of many of the recommendations made to it. Many reflect Amnesty
International’s concerns and recommendations.
The organization welcomes the adoption in March 2010 of the integrated national programme of measures for Romani people for the
2010–2015 period outlining government measures to combat discrimination against Roma in access to education, housing, health care,
employment, living conditions and other areas. Amnesty International calls on the government to ensure that the programme is
implemented within the established deadlines and in consultation with Roma communities.
Amnesty International appreciates Slovenia’s support of the recommendation to improve living conditions of Roma.1 In implementing
this recommendation the organization calls on the authorities to address the inadequate housing conditions of many Roma, including lack
of access to water, sanitation and electricity. It is also crucial that the authorities refrain from forcible evictions of Roma communities.
The situation of the “erased” was raised by many States during the review and Amnesty International welcomes Slovenia’s acceptance
of the majority of the related recommendations.2 The adoption in March 2010 of the law regulating the legal status of the “erased” is a
positive development; however, the organization is concerned at attempts to organize a referendum on the new law which, if successful,
could overturn it. Amnesty International fears that this could lead to further discrimination against the “erased”.
Amnesty International also regrets that, other than restoring their status, the authorities have failed to adopt legislative and other measures
to grant full reparation to the “erased”. Amnesty International calls on Slovenia to develop a reparation programme for the “erased”
which should include restitution, satisfaction, compensation, rehabilitation and guarantees of non-repetition, as defined by international
law.
Background
The UN Human Rights Council adopted the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review of Slovenia on 9 June 2010 during its 14thsession.
Prior to the adoption of the report of the review Amnesty International delivered the oral statement above. Amnesty International also
contributed to the information basis for the review through its submission on Slovenia: http://www.amnesty.
org/en/library/info/EUR68/004/2009/en
Click here to read more »
Croatia (including events pertaining to Slovenia)
Events of 2009
January 20, 2010
A halt until October in Croatia's negotiations to join the European Union, arising from a border dispute with Slovenia, and the unexpected
resignation of Prime Minister Ivo Sanader in July, left the country in political limbo for much of 2009. Meanwhile, human rights reform
took a back seat.
Key International Actors
With final accession negotiations for membership scheduled to occur in 2010, the European Union remains the most influential
international actor. For much of 2009 negotiations were stalled due to a border dispute with neighboring Slovenia, but this was near
resolution in October when Slovenia removed its veto on Croatian membership.
Click here to read more »
Events of 2009
January 20, 2010
A halt until October in Croatia's negotiations to join the European Union, arising from a border dispute with Slovenia, and the unexpected
resignation of Prime Minister Ivo Sanader in July, left the country in political limbo for much of 2009. Meanwhile, human rights reform
took a back seat.
Key International Actors
With final accession negotiations for membership scheduled to occur in 2010, the European Union remains the most influential
international actor. For much of 2009 negotiations were stalled due to a border dispute with neighboring Slovenia, but this was near
resolution in October when Slovenia removed its veto on Croatian membership.
Click here to read more »
Prime Minister of Slovenia Pahor addresses general debate of the 65th session of the UN General Assembly
New York, 25 September 2010
Mr. President,
Slovenia plays an active role in the international community and takes its responsibilities seriously. I would therefore like to confirm once
again our dedication to the candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council for the period 2012-2013, at the elections to be
held next year in this Assembly.
Slovenia views its candidature as an opportunity to contribute further to the maintenance of international peace and security, as well as
the peaceful settlement of disputes. We intend to build on our international commitments and experience gained in the past years. We are
committed to upholding the rule of law, respect for human rights, international law and international humanitarian law, and we continue
to foster open and transparent international dialogue in the spirit of cooperation and consensus-building.
The candidature therefore underscores the great significance Slovenia attaches to the role of the UN in an increasingly interdependent
and complex world. Furthermore, it indicates Slovenia’s desire to utilize its rich multilateral experience for enhancing the goals and
principles of this universal international organization.
Finally, let me say once more how honoured I am, as the Prime Minister of Slovenia, to be present in this Assembly. Extraordinary
historical circumstances have shaped the development of my country, which therefore attaches great importance to a constant
promotion of the noble purposes and principles of international relations as defined in the Charter of the United Nations. I am therefore all
the more pleased to have been able to participate in the general debate devoted to the reaffirmation of the central role of this organization
in global governance.
Click here to read more »
New York, 25 September 2010
Mr. President,
Slovenia plays an active role in the international community and takes its responsibilities seriously. I would therefore like to confirm once
again our dedication to the candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council for the period 2012-2013, at the elections to be
held next year in this Assembly.
Slovenia views its candidature as an opportunity to contribute further to the maintenance of international peace and security, as well as
the peaceful settlement of disputes. We intend to build on our international commitments and experience gained in the past years. We are
committed to upholding the rule of law, respect for human rights, international law and international humanitarian law, and we continue
to foster open and transparent international dialogue in the spirit of cooperation and consensus-building.
The candidature therefore underscores the great significance Slovenia attaches to the role of the UN in an increasingly interdependent
and complex world. Furthermore, it indicates Slovenia’s desire to utilize its rich multilateral experience for enhancing the goals and
principles of this universal international organization.
Finally, let me say once more how honoured I am, as the Prime Minister of Slovenia, to be present in this Assembly. Extraordinary
historical circumstances have shaped the development of my country, which therefore attaches great importance to a constant
promotion of the noble purposes and principles of international relations as defined in the Charter of the United Nations. I am therefore all
the more pleased to have been able to participate in the general debate devoted to the reaffirmation of the central role of this organization
in global governance.
Click here to read more »
Ombudsmen from the region of Former Yugoslavia in Ljubljana about migrants, erased and other issues
20.09.2010
Slovenian Ombudsman dr. Zdenka Cebasek - Travnik hosted in Ljubljana on Monday, 20. 9. 2010, her counterparts from countries from
the region of the former Yugoslavia, bar Serbia. At Bosnia-Herzegovina's proposal, they discuss the issue of migrant workers in
Slovenia, dr. Cebasek - Travnik said, adding that the erased were also on the agenda.
In recent months, Slovenia saw several cases of violations of migrant workers' rights where the employers owed workers money or
forced them to work excessive overtime.
Since the majority of migrant workers come from Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bosnian ombudsmen presented the issue, proposing possible
ways for both involved countries to tackle it.
Dr. Zdenka Cebasek - Travnik said that the ombudsmen would try to establish the legal grounds for their participation in this process.
Slovenia is currently working to resolve the issue of the erased - around 26,000 citizens of former Yugoslavia who were deleted from
Slovenia's permanent resident registry in 1992. Dr. Cebasek - Travnik said she was surprised to learn that all former Yugoslav countries
were dealing with the issue of people with no citizenship.
The most liberal approach to the matter was taken by Kosovo, which has little restrictions for acquiring citizenship, whereas other
countries have sought to employ "more or less successful solutions", dr. Cebasek - Travnik said.
Ombudsmen of other participating countries noted that few people file complaints regarding their status in Slovenia in their own
countries. They believe that people are too poorly informed of their rights to do so.
The situation of the Roma was also discussed, with the participants concluding that in some countries Roma people have no personal
identification documents, which prevents them from claiming any rights on the basis of permanent residence or citizenship.
Click here to read more »
20.09.2010
Slovenian Ombudsman dr. Zdenka Cebasek - Travnik hosted in Ljubljana on Monday, 20. 9. 2010, her counterparts from countries from
the region of the former Yugoslavia, bar Serbia. At Bosnia-Herzegovina's proposal, they discuss the issue of migrant workers in
Slovenia, dr. Cebasek - Travnik said, adding that the erased were also on the agenda.
In recent months, Slovenia saw several cases of violations of migrant workers' rights where the employers owed workers money or
forced them to work excessive overtime.
Since the majority of migrant workers come from Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bosnian ombudsmen presented the issue, proposing possible
ways for both involved countries to tackle it.
Dr. Zdenka Cebasek - Travnik said that the ombudsmen would try to establish the legal grounds for their participation in this process.
Slovenia is currently working to resolve the issue of the erased - around 26,000 citizens of former Yugoslavia who were deleted from
Slovenia's permanent resident registry in 1992. Dr. Cebasek - Travnik said she was surprised to learn that all former Yugoslav countries
were dealing with the issue of people with no citizenship.
The most liberal approach to the matter was taken by Kosovo, which has little restrictions for acquiring citizenship, whereas other
countries have sought to employ "more or less successful solutions", dr. Cebasek - Travnik said.
Ombudsmen of other participating countries noted that few people file complaints regarding their status in Slovenia in their own
countries. They believe that people are too poorly informed of their rights to do so.
The situation of the Roma was also discussed, with the participants concluding that in some countries Roma people have no personal
identification documents, which prevents them from claiming any rights on the basis of permanent residence or citizenship.
Click here to read more »
Some Rights Are More Human Than Others
Tuesday, November 9th, 2010
Remember Petition 571? A group of journos went wailing to the international community about the media onslaught Janez Janša and his
government undertook during their tenure and PM Janša was really unhappy about it, saying that allegations of political influence over
the media (the said petition) and human rights abuses (the Roma family Strojan and the Erased) should be dealt with on domestic scene
as not to mar Slovenia’s reputation just prior to its taking over the EU presidency.
While SDS and its leader went apeshit when someone was dissing the family on their watch, they were happy to do it when it was their
turn to sit in the back of the classroom (i.e.: lose the 2008 elections).
And they seem to have acquired a bit of a taste for it. Either that or some rights are more human than others as far as SDS is concerned.
Because in the past few days this leading opposition party made a big show of tearing apart the nomination of Branko Masleša for
President of the Supreme Court (not to be confused with the Constitutional Court). SDS went after Masleša for a number or reasons and
saw it fit to go international with the story. And then some. And then some more.
In case you don’t want to sift through everything SDS threw at Masleša (although I strongly urge you to do so. Is a fun read. And is in
English), here’s the basic beef: Masleša is unfit for President of Supreme Court because he:
a) Was the last Slovenian judge in Slovenia to sentence someone to death.
b) Took part in secret committees which inspected shootings of defectors across Yugoslav – Italian border as late as 1989.
c) SDS suspects he was opposed to Slovenian independence and allegedly claimed Yugoslav army will run Slovenia over.
Masleša in turn responded (Slovenian only), saying that:
a) Death penalty was legal in mid 80s and that it was a case of multiple homicide and that the sentence was commuted to a 20-year-
imprisonment.
b) Those committees were not secret at all and that he was required to attend them as a judge at the District court in the border town of
Nova Gorica.
c) Allegations of his “lukewarmness in the cause of independence” are false.
Now, pengovsky agrees that human rights are important. No. Scratch that. They are an infinitely important element of any society which
even remotely wants to call itself democratic. And if SDS has a beef with human rights record of a candidate they have a duty to voice
them. But it looks as if the issue is being abused for a tangible political goal which is only remotely connected to any (if any) human
rights violations.
On one hand it’s bad form according to SDS and Mr. Janša to tell the world about how media is being pressured, how Roma people are
being persecuted and how more than 20k people have no legal status whatsoever, but on the other mere allegations and suspicions are
reason enough to sound the international general alarm thrice over. Secondly, it is more than just slightly worrying that a revolutionary
mindset is being applied two decades after independence was achieved (and achieved it was with political, legal and military means). I
mean “actively opposing Slovenian independence”? What is this? A search for the “enemy within?” The KGB was mighty good at that,
you know…
But what is most bothersome is that thus far these allegations were not substantiated by anything other than more allegations by some of
Masleša’s fellow judges (and a constitutional judge to boot). Which is more indicative of some seriously hurt egos rather than a systemic
and continuous violation of human rights, the likes of which we’ve seen in the case of the Strojan Family and the Erased.
Click here to read more>>
Tuesday, November 9th, 2010
Remember Petition 571? A group of journos went wailing to the international community about the media onslaught Janez Janša and his
government undertook during their tenure and PM Janša was really unhappy about it, saying that allegations of political influence over
the media (the said petition) and human rights abuses (the Roma family Strojan and the Erased) should be dealt with on domestic scene
as not to mar Slovenia’s reputation just prior to its taking over the EU presidency.
While SDS and its leader went apeshit when someone was dissing the family on their watch, they were happy to do it when it was their
turn to sit in the back of the classroom (i.e.: lose the 2008 elections).
And they seem to have acquired a bit of a taste for it. Either that or some rights are more human than others as far as SDS is concerned.
Because in the past few days this leading opposition party made a big show of tearing apart the nomination of Branko Masleša for
President of the Supreme Court (not to be confused with the Constitutional Court). SDS went after Masleša for a number or reasons and
saw it fit to go international with the story. And then some. And then some more.
In case you don’t want to sift through everything SDS threw at Masleša (although I strongly urge you to do so. Is a fun read. And is in
English), here’s the basic beef: Masleša is unfit for President of Supreme Court because he:
a) Was the last Slovenian judge in Slovenia to sentence someone to death.
b) Took part in secret committees which inspected shootings of defectors across Yugoslav – Italian border as late as 1989.
c) SDS suspects he was opposed to Slovenian independence and allegedly claimed Yugoslav army will run Slovenia over.
Masleša in turn responded (Slovenian only), saying that:
a) Death penalty was legal in mid 80s and that it was a case of multiple homicide and that the sentence was commuted to a 20-year-
imprisonment.
b) Those committees were not secret at all and that he was required to attend them as a judge at the District court in the border town of
Nova Gorica.
c) Allegations of his “lukewarmness in the cause of independence” are false.
Now, pengovsky agrees that human rights are important. No. Scratch that. They are an infinitely important element of any society which
even remotely wants to call itself democratic. And if SDS has a beef with human rights record of a candidate they have a duty to voice
them. But it looks as if the issue is being abused for a tangible political goal which is only remotely connected to any (if any) human
rights violations.
On one hand it’s bad form according to SDS and Mr. Janša to tell the world about how media is being pressured, how Roma people are
being persecuted and how more than 20k people have no legal status whatsoever, but on the other mere allegations and suspicions are
reason enough to sound the international general alarm thrice over. Secondly, it is more than just slightly worrying that a revolutionary
mindset is being applied two decades after independence was achieved (and achieved it was with political, legal and military means). I
mean “actively opposing Slovenian independence”? What is this? A search for the “enemy within?” The KGB was mighty good at that,
you know…
But what is most bothersome is that thus far these allegations were not substantiated by anything other than more allegations by some of
Masleša’s fellow judges (and a constitutional judge to boot). Which is more indicative of some seriously hurt egos rather than a systemic
and continuous violation of human rights, the likes of which we’ve seen in the case of the Strojan Family and the Erased.
Click here to read more>>
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Danilo Turk
President since 22 December 2007
President since 22 December 2007
| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
None reported.
