Human Rights Ombudsman Peter Svetina operated in Črna na Koroškem, where he sensed great optimism which he hopes will endure. He expected at least one complaint related to the consequences of the floods but there have been none. He warned about the traps posed by the consolidation of state services into bigger centres only and thus worsened access that is only exacerbated by poorer road connections.

The Ombudsman drew attention to the fact that the state has closed down some of its local offices and services for citizens, which are now only available in bigger centres, which hinders access to them. “After all, road connections with Črna na Koroškem are far from optimal and the state should make sure that state services, such as the financial administration or at least the local office, are accessible,” underlined the Ombudsman in his statement after the conclusion of his operation in Črna. The state is a service and must be present where people are, he added.

He discussed current matters connected to human rights of the inhabitants of the Koroška region with the Mayor of the municipality of Črna na Koroškem, Romana Lesjak, the principal of the Črna na Koroškem primary school, Mitja Pranjič, the director of CUDV Črna na Koroškem, Dalja Pečovnik, and the director of the Ravne na Koroškem Healthcare Centre, Stanislav Pušnik.

As he said after the meeting, great optimism can be felt in the disposition of his interlocutors, while he also emphasised the community mindset, tolerance, and mutual collaboration he noticed during the visit. “They did not only bring attention to their own problems, of which they only mentioned a handful, but primarily presented solutions which I find to be very positive. I hope this optimism will persist,” said Ombudsman Svetina.

He does not see it as a bad sign that he only received one complaint upon today’s operation in Črna, which pertained to the field of social care. He believes that it is also a result of the fact that problems are being solved and that apparently citizens are satisfied with how they are solved.

In general, the Ombudsman monitors the complaints of inhabitants from areas affected by the floods, even though there have been almost none. It could be too early and people have not yet encountered problems caused by the state, estimated Svetina. “It appears that the state functioned well in this area. However, the pathway of the Ombudsman’s ability to intervene if problems arise needs always to be kept open,” he added.

The mayor Romana Lesjak highlighted that in general she wishes to avoid any bureaucratic complications from the state, especially with the rebuilding after last year’s floods. She expects that the restoration works will be carried out professionally and, above all, that they will be expertly supervised, since everybody in Črna wants the town to develop in addition to being rebuilt.

She reiterated her expectation that the state technical office, which also has offices in Črna, will operate more operatively. In the hope that everyone will be more satisfied with its operation, she expects a meeting with those responsible as soon as possible. In the meantime, the municipality’s activities for the rebuilding of Črna are underway, including the current reconstruction of the roads in Topla and Bistra.

In the premises of the Municipality of Črna na Koroškem, an Ombudsman’s Corner was also opened today, where people can get acquainted with the work of the Ombudsman and ascertain the circumstances in which they can turn to the institution for help.

Source: STA (Slovenian Press Agency)