On 4th of December 2025, the Human Rights Ombudsman hosted the fifth meeting dedicated to the urgent inclusion of a child with deafblindness in the educational process.
The meeting was convened at the initiative of the Deafblind Association of Slovenia DLAN and was chaired by Dr. Jože Ruparčič, Deputy Ombudsman. Numerous representatives of key institutions were invited, including representatives of the DLAN Association.
At all the meetings so far, including by the representative of the Human Rights Ombudsman, we have repeatedly emphasized what should be the solid core of every decision: humanity, the best interests of the child, equality before the law, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the consideration of expert opinions.
These are not just empty words or pieces of paper but obligations of the state and a measure of societal maturity.
The procedure has been going on far too long, and the constant circling within bureaucratic processes drains both strength and time. There are too many obstacles and too much correspondence… meanwhile, what should be untouchable is being lost:
the child’s right to learn, grow, communicate, and live their childhood.
No rule, act, or competence should stand above a human being—especially not above a child who, due to deafblindness, needs adaptations that we, as a society, are more than capable of providing. This is not a matter of goodwill. It is a duty.
The DLAN Association consistently, at every step, calls for humanity and stresses that the best interests of the child must come before any procedure.
When we talk about educating children with deafblindness, we are talking about the foundations of life—about dignity, equality, and opportunity, which must exist even where the system has not yet been established (education of children with deafblindness).
And precisely such cases clearly show that it is time for change. Not tomorrow, but today.
Ljubljana, 5 December 2025
