Today, 12 June, and tomorrow, 13 June, the Ombudsman is participating in the Days of Intergenerational Coexistence, held at the Gospodarsko razstavišče in Ljubljana and organised by the Association of Pensioners' Associations of Slovenia (ZDUS).

The Ombudsman cooperates with the Days of Intergenerational Coexistence with a stand where visitors can discuss human rights violations with the Ombudsman's expert colleagues. Visitors can talk to them about the role and operation of the Ombudsman, obtain information about when and how they can contact the Ombudsman for help, and can also raise specific questions regarding possible rights violations they are facing.
Today, the Ombudsman's stand was visited and the Intergenerational Coexistence Days was also attended by the Deputy Ombudsman Dr. Dijana Možina Zupanc and Deputy Ombudsman Dr. Jože Ruparčič, who also met with the management of ZDUS. They discussed the most pressing issues affecting the elderly.

Deputy Ombudsman Možina Zupanc presented the fundamental findings, which are recorded by the institution of the Ombudsman when considering complaints related to the elderly, which are brought to the attention of those responsible and which are reported to the National Assembly. She emphasized that the institution of the Ombudsman pays a lot of attention to the elderly and considers many complaints in this area. "We examine each of them thoroughly, but we also open broader questions that we perceive ourselves. At the Ombudsman, we are convinced that the answer to a long-lived society is high-quality and accessible care in the community, i.e. deinstitutionalisation, not simply increasing the capacity of institutions or building new homes. It is unacceptable that many are in various institutions, even though they could live with dignity in their home environment. The elderly must be allowed to decide for themselves the extent to which they need protection and care, so that this still means a good quality of life for them. As a society, we must provide high-quality and safe care, focused on people and their needs," said Deputy Ombudsman Dr. Možina Zupanc.

She also highlighted the growing epidemic of loneliness and abandonment among the elderly. The Ombudsman is often committed to strengthening intergenerational cooperation, as this can contribute to a better quality of life for all generations. Mutual help between the generations can contribute to eliminating the loneliness of the elderly, and help the younger generation to solve everyday challenges and to become more independent. "The state and state institutions must support this type of cooperation and encourage the activities of non-governmental organisations in this area, both at the state and municipal level. The Days of Intergenerational Coexistence and the Seniors for Seniors project, which the ZDUS has been working on for years, are examples of good practice that should be more widespread and that deserve greater support from the state," said Deputy Ombudsman Dr. Možina Zupanc.

Ahead of the International Day of Violence Against the Elderly, which is celebrated on 15 June, the Ombudsman also draws attention to the problem of mostly hidden violence against the elderly. "At the Ombudsman, we are seeing an increase in the number of complaints related to allegations of violence and inhumane or degrading treatment in retirement homes. Unfortunately, there are also anonymous complaints among them, which may indicate a fear of the possible consequences of reporting. We also perceive violence by relatives against the elderly, which is often hidden behind four walls and even the elderly themselves do not recognise it or are afraid to report it because they are dependent on their relatives. At the same time, I emphasise that as a society we must have zero tolerance for violence, so I call on everyone who notices or perceives this kind of violence to report it to the relevant authorities," urges Ombudsman Svetina.

He also adds that we need greater awareness of the elderly both regarding their rights and the prevention of violence, discrimination, the importance of financial autonomy, and the like. The elderly often do not perceive that ageism and discrimination are practiced against them, so it is essential to raise awareness to recognise stereotypes among them as well. "We support the efforts of the United Nations to prepare a Convention for the Protection of the Elderly, but unfortunately, in my opinion, the talks are taking place too slowly. I call on the newly elected MEPs and the future European Commission to make the new EU strategy for the elderly one of their priorities. The elderly are one of the largest vulnerable groups, which is too often ignored and discriminated against in the countries of the European Union. The elderly should not be seen as a burden on society, but as an active and creative and connected part of the community. I expect that those responsible will take this into account and prepare concrete measures to regulate the dignified position of the elderly in society. When preparing and adopting measures, decision-makers should take into account the Ombudsman's recommendations regarding the elderly, which arise from specific complaints and identified violations. Unfortunately, many of them have been waiting for implementation for several years," Human Rights Ombudsman Svetina emphasises.