Warden Drenik Bavdek with the Bishop of Sajet

On August 21, 2026, Dr. Simona Drenik Bavdek, the Advocate of Human Rights, met with Bishop Andrej Sajet in Nova Gorica. The meeting was arranged at the invitation of the president of the Slovenian Conference of Bishops. The purpose of the visit was to strengthen dialogue between the state and religious communities, with a particular emphasis on the right to freedom of religion, which the advocate described as one of the most fundamental human rights and one that cannot be abrogated even in exceptional circumstances. During their discussion, both parties addressed issues related to the expression of faith, including cases of intolerance or Christianophobia. The advocate highlighted that each year, the office records several instances of damage to sacred sites. She noted that such acts are not merely violations of property but also cause emotional distress to religious communities, making them entirely unacceptable. The conversation also touched upon the right to a dignified burial, during which they exchanged views on how this right should be upheld. The advocate emphasized the importance of respecting the rights of the deceased and their families, citing the Convention on the Protection of All Persons from Being Subjected to Forced Disappearance. The two sides agreed on the need to resolve the issue of unclaimed burials and ensure proper arrangements for the burial of the deceased. They also discussed the legal status of religious communities and the role of the Church as a socially beneficial organization. Both parties expressed the view that religious communities make valuable contributions to society and are beneficial social institutions. However, the advocate pointed out that the current legal framework does not formally recognize this status for religious groups. The meeting took place in the context of ongoing efforts to improve interfaith relations and address challenges faced by religious communities in Slovenia. The dialogue reflected a commitment to mutual understanding and cooperation between the state and religious organizations. It also underscored the importance of upholding human rights, including the right to freedom of religion, in accordance with international standards. The discussions were conducted in a spirit of collaboration, with both representatives expressing willingness to work together on matters affecting religious life in Slovenia. The meeting did not result in immediate policy changes, but it laid the groundwork for further dialogue on key issues facing religious communities. The participants acknowledged the need for continued engagement on topics such as the protection of religious sites, the treatment of the deceased, and the recognition of religious organizations within the legal system. Looking ahead, there are expectations that the conversations initiated during this meeting will lead to more structured discussions involving other stakeholders, including local authorities and religious leaders. The outcome of these future meetings could influence legislative or administrative actions aimed at better protecting the rights of religious communities. For now, the focus remains on maintaining open channels of communication and fostering a climate of respect and cooperation between the state and religious entities.