The Human Rights Ombudsman of the Republic of Slovenia, in cooperation with the Faculty of Law of the University of Ljubljana, prepared a round table entitled

How do we understand the principle of justice and good governance?

The discussion was held on Thursday, December 8, 2016, at 10 am, at the Faculty of Law of the University of Ljubljana.

The Ombudsman of the Republic of Slovenia independently deals with the allegations of individuals that their fundamental human rights and freedoms have been violated. In the course of his work, he is governed by the provisions of the Constitution and international legal instruments on human rights and fundamental freedoms, but may also invoke the principles of justice and good governance in his interventions. (Article 3 of the Law on the Ombudsman).

Understanding and applying the two principles in evaluating and assessing the suitability of acts, procedures and decisions of state bodies, local self-government bodies and holders of public authority is not always easy.

Excessive reference to both principles could lead us to the arbitrariness of judging, so it is difficult to determine the boundary, when and how to apply it. How to take them into account, without interfering with the basic principle of the rule of law, that its authorities decide in accordance with the Constitution and legislation, which, however, can never foresee all life situations.

Introductory thoughts were presented:

• ddr. Klemen Jaklič, University of Harvard, USA
• dr. Neža Kogovšek Šalamon, Peace Institute
• akad. prof. dr. Jože Krašovec, Faculty of Theology, University of Ljubljana
• dr. Vesna Leskošek, Faculty of Social Work, University of Ljubljana
• akad. prof. dr. Marijan Pavčnik, Faculty of Law, University of Ljubljana
• dr. Igor Pribac, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Ljubljana

The round table was led by Human Rights Ombudsman Vlasta Nussdorfer.

The theme of the Human Rights Day in 2016 was the Provision of Human Rights - Now!