Committee on the Rights of the Child

101st session

Geneva, 31 August–25 September 2026

Consideration of reports of States Parties

Replies of Slovenia to the list of issues in relation to its combined fifth and sixth reports * , **

[Date received: 29 May 2026]

Replies to the list of issues (CRC/C/SVN/Q/5-6)

Reply to paragraph 2 (a)

1.The Republic of Slovenia (RS) does not have a comprehensive child law in force. The provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) have been incorporated into specific sectoral legislations.

Reply to paragraph 2 (b)

2.The Programme for Children 2020–2025 has ended. It focused on the implementation of children’s rights and the protection of children as one of the most vulnerable groups in society. It was based on interconnected priority areas: equal opportunities for all children, child participation, a life free from violence, safety in the digital environment, and child‑friendly procedures. Efficient implementation was ensured through two three-year action plans, which defined specific activities and indicators for addressing the priority areas. An inter-ministerial working group, which includes representatives of the civil society, is currently developing a programme for children for the 2026–2031 period. Consultations with children were also held in November 2025 as part of the preparation process.

3.The Resolution on the National Programme for Youth 2013–2022 (ReNPM13–22 covered the areas of education, employment, housing, health and well-being, culture, and youth and society. It was implemented through two-year action plans that outlined specific measures. A new draft of the National Programme for Youth for the next nine years was prepared in collaboration with youth organisations. The adoption is scheduled for 2026. The key priorities of the programme are education and training, economic and social security through employment policies, thereby creating conditions that facilitate their transition to independence, promotion of youth participation in the management of public affairs, the principles of sustainable development, health and well-being of youth and to health inequalities by promoting a healthy lifestyle, facilitation of youth’s participation in cultural, artistic, and sporting activities.

Reply to paragraph 2 (c)

4.The national portal gov.si features a visual presentation of the national budget for children, specifically the “Budget for Children” infographic and a text alternative for the infographic. The Ministry of Finance regularly posts accessible content about finance on social media and produces a series of podcasts on financial topics, with the aim of making complex issues more accessible to the general public and reaching a variety of target audiences, including children. (See also answer 17).

Reply to paragraph 2 (d)

5.An Interministerial Commission on Human Rights has been established to address human rights issues, including children’s rights. A more detailed description is available in paragraphs 192 and 193 of the Common core document forming part of the reports of States parties Slovenia (HRI/CORE/SVN/2020).

6.To promote children’s rights, the Council of the Republic of Slovenia for Children and Families (Council), a permanent advisory body to the Government of the RS, was established in 2017. The members of the Council are representatives of non-governmental organisations and professional institutions working in the field of children and families, as well as representatives of the Government and of children.

Reply to paragraph 2 (e)

7.The members of the Council are also representatives of the civil society. At the Ministry responsible for children and families (MDDSZ), members of the civil society are involved in all interministerial working groups tasked with drafting legislation and measures related to children’s rights.

Reply to paragraph 2 (f)

8.Since 2016, Slovenia has made significant progress in the area of protecting children’s rights in criminal proceedings, specifically through the establishment of the country’s first Children’s House (Barnahus), designed for the interviewing of children, victims and witnesses of criminal offences and their comprehensive care, including psychosocial support, as well as the improvement of the system for dealing with juvenile offenders. (See Table 1 in the appendix).

9.Special focus was made on improving the system in the civil justice sector to ensure effectively the best interests of the child in court proceedings. A project was launched and a broad-based interministerial working group was established. The key objective is to improve the situation of children in civil proceedings and to ensure that the principle of the best interests of the child is consistently taken into account in decision-making. As part of the project, the Government adopted the Strategy for Ensuring the Best Interests of the Child in Civil Proceedings in the RS and the corresponding action plan.

10.The Family Code (DZ) was adopted in 2017 and has been in effect since 2019. The mechanisms to protect children from violence and to strengthen their voice in legal proceedings were established. A child expresses his/her opinion at the centre of social work (CSD) or during a meeting with a child advocate. A child advocate is a specially trained professional who provides the child with expert support in expressing their opinion in proceedings and matters that concern them. A child advocate is appointed for the child in accordance with the law governing the Office of the Human Rights Ombudsman, and the court may also appoint one upon a request from the Human Rights Ombudsman.

Reply to paragraph 3

11.Slovenia ensures the legal accountability of the private sector in the areas of environmental protection and climate change through a legislative and institutional framework that is consistent with national and international standards. Businesses are required to comply with the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, which govern the responsible business conduct of multinational companies, including children’s rights.

12.In 2025, the Climate Act was adopted. This systematically regulates the implementation of climate policies, establishes obligations for legal entities regarding the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and implements an emissions trading system (ETS). The Act sets out obligations for businesses in sectors with high environmental impacts and establishes mechanisms for reporting, monitoring, and financing climate measures. The Act also establishes a Climate Fund intended to finance and co-finance measures for climate change mitigation and adaptation, thereby helping to reduce the negative impacts of economic activities on the environment, health, and, indirectly, the implementation of children’s rights, particularly the right to health and a safe living environment.

Reply to paragraph 4

13.The Constitution guarantees equality before the law and prohibition of discrimination. The measures taken to eliminate discrimination and the social exclusion in the RS is based on the Protection Against Discrimination Act (ZVarD) and special regulations for individual groups. ZVarD provides legal protection for victims of discrimination and defines the role of the Advocate of the Principle of Equality.

14.Regarding the LGBT children and children from same-sex families, key changes were adopted in 2022 through an amendment to the DZ. Marriage is defined as a lifelong union between two people, thereby placing same-sex and opposite-sex couples on an equal legal footing, including in matters of parenthood and adoption.

15.The Roma Community Act and the Elementary School Act play an important role for the inclusion of Roma children, as they allow for adjustments in schools and the introduction of Roma assistants. Various preventive programmes are also being implemented, such as the “School – The Path to Success” project, which encourages Roma children to attend school regularly and promotes their integration into society.

16.In 2025, the 20% supplement to the child allowance for children not attending preschool care was abolished. This option was often chosen by parents of Roma children, which had a negative impact on their integration.

17.In 2025, a network of multigenerational centres was established, offering activities specifically tailored to the Roma community at six locations. Free activities in the local communities are designed to prevent social distress and provide informal education, while the centres serve as the first points of contact for promoting the empowerment, social integration, and social activation of Roma. Holiday workshops and academic support are offered for children, along with reading and digital literacy workshops, workshops designed to encourage students to complete their elementary school education, sports activities, and similar programmes. Furthermore, six social welfare programmes for Roma were also co‑funded during the reporting period; starting in 2024.

18.As regards gender equality, a project “Supportive Work with Roma Women” was carried out in 2022 with the aim of reducing inequality and empowering women. Various activities were designed to support and empower Roma women as one of the most vulnerable and socially excluded groups at both the local and national levels. A permanent working group on assistance to the Roma minority has been established at the MDDSZ to develop measures and monitors the situation of the Roma in RS.

19.The status of children with disabilities is primarily governed by the Act on the Education of Children with Special Needs and the Act on Equal Opportunities for People with Disabilities. The latest amendments further strengthen the prohibition of discrimination based on disability and improve access to services, including the right to technical devices, Slovenian sign language interpreters, and information in accessible formats. The Action Programme for Persons with Disabilities 2022–2030 also places special emphasis on the protection of children with disabilities.

20.The rights of children who are applicants for international protection are governed by the International Protection Act. The 2021 amendment improved international protection procedures and the rights of persons with granted protection. It guarantees children the right to education under the same conditions as Slovenian citizens, and provides special protection for unaccompanied minors (UAM), for whom a legal representative is appointed and appropriate accommodation and care are provided. In April 2024, a separate accommodation facility in Postojna was established for UAM, comprising a reception centre, accommodation units, and youth apartments. The children are provided with food, clothing, footwear, hygiene supplies, and 24-hour care. An individual care plan is developed for each child. The “Psychosocial Support and Leisure Activities for UAM” project offers educational and recreational activities, field trips, and events with the aim of fostering the children’s personal development, developing their potential, and facilitating their integration into the local community and Slovenian society.

21.Prevention of discrimination is also supported by institutions and preventive programmes. The Advocate for the Principle of Equality handles cases of discrimination, the Human Rights Ombudsman monitors the implementation of children’s rights, and the police conduct training on recognising stereotypes and preventing discrimination in a multicultural society. In 2025, a Resolution on the long-term development programme of the police for 2026–2035 was adopted, emphasising respect for diversity and greater protection of vulnerable groups.

Reply to paragraph 5 (a)

22.In the RS, the birth of every child (including the child of an applicant for international protection or a person granted international protection) is registered in the civil registry, either through maternity hospitals connected to the eBirths system, or, in the case of births outside a healthcare facility, through competent healthcare professionals or other authorised persons. A birth must be registered within 15 days (a stillbirth within 24 hours). After entry in the civil registry, parents are issued a birth certificate free of charge.

23.The Ministry of the Interior (MNZ) issues an applicant’s ID card for a child who is a foreign national or an applicant for international protection.

24.For a birth of a child of a person granted international protection, the parents must notify the MNZ, which grants the child the same status as that of the parents. As such children have no citizenship, a procedure to acquire Slovenian citizenship may be initiated.

25.Under the Citizenship Act, every child who has at least one parent who is a citizen acquires Slovenian citizenship at birth, as do children born or found within the territory of Slovenia without known parents or citizenship, thereby ensuring the right to citizenship and preventing statelessness. If a child with known parents and known citizenship cannot acquire citizenship through their parents, they acquire Slovenian citizenship in direct accordance with the provisions of the CRC.

Reply to paragraph 5 (b)

26.The non-governmental organisation Slovenian Association of Friends of Youth organises children’s and youth parliaments, the former for the level of compulsory primary education, the latter for secondary school students. Children’s and youth parliaments discuss current social issues. In some municipalities, mayors appoint a temporary youth mayor, who symbolically takes on certain mayoral duties related to children and youth issues for a limited period of time. These activities are not regulated by law, and municipalities are not required to report them to state authorities. Once a year, the National Assembly hosts a National Children’s Parliament, attended by delegates selected at local parliaments. The children act as members of parliament, expressing their opinions, while ministers of the current government listen and answer the children’s questions.

Reply to paragraph 5 (c)

27.Children’s access to information is ensured through the production of children’s and youth content on national television and through the production of informative online content. The youth programme Infodrom and the online newsletter Časoris have received several awards for their high-quality production.

28.A comprehensive approach to child protection is supported that combines education, the development of digital skills, and raising awareness about the safe use of online platforms, as well as the implementation of European regulations, including the use of the European Digital Identity for age verification. In 2024, 13,000 children from economically disadvantaged families were provided with computer equipment in their home environment to enable them to access digital content.

29.The protection of children from harmful content is ensured by the Media Act, the Electronic Communications Act, and the Organisation and Financing of Education Act, which regulate access to information, safe use of the internet, digital literacy, and supervision of service providers. Under the Audiovisual Media Services Act, providers are required to implement age ratings, restrictions on harmful content, and parental controls. Measures include parental consent for data processing, designated data protection officers in schools, a ban on the unauthorised publication of children’s personal data, and minimal data collection and secure privacy settings on digital platforms.

30.The police launched the “Police for Children and Teens” web portal, and in November 2025, the digital platform Help4UYou, offering interactive information and advice on protecting children from violence, sexual abuse, and exploitation. The platform provides a personalised information sheet with advice without collecting personal data; it is age‑appropriate and designed with the participation of children. The information sheet includes introductory information, a summary of user responses, advice from government agencies and organisations, and information on children’s rights under the CRC.

Reply to paragraph 6 (a)

31.The Resolution on the National Programme for Prevention of Violence against Women and Domestic Violence 2024–2029 (Resolution on violence) was adopted. In 2026, the survey on the prevalence of corporal punishment of children in the family environment will be conducted. Appropriate measures will be adopted based on the survey results. The Resolution on violence outlines measures aimed at promoting positive and non-violent forms of child up-bringing, such as the systematic introduction of parenting skills training through social work centres and mental health centres; expanding existing programmes in the field of preventing domestic violence and violence against women; raising public awareness and the necessity of prevention.

Reply to paragraph 6 (b)

32.Resolution on violence promotes zero tolerance for violence, the identification of early signs of violence, encouraging children to speak up, and the integration of topics such as gender equality, non-violent communication, and the right to personal integrity into curricula and the school environment. These programmes regularly educate pupils, teachers, and parents about cyber-bullying and the importance of reporting it, while also reducing the stigmatisation of victims secondary victimisation.

33.Raising awareness about violence against children, including sexual abuse and online exploitation, is carried out through prevention programmes, educational initiatives, and campaigns targeting children, adolescents, parents, teachers, and professionals. Safe.si plays an important role, serving as the platform for a system for reporting child sexual abuse material online, and for the police. The programmes raise awareness about online risks, children’s rights, and the mandatory reporting of violence, and offer practical advice on protection and actions.

Reply to paragraph 6 (c)

34.See Answer 2f.

Reply to paragraph 6 (d)

35.In 2023, the National Action Plan of the RS for the Child Guarantee 2022–2030 was adopted, aimed at promoting equal opportunities for socially excluded and poor children. The plan includes measures in the areas of health, preschool care and education, housing, and support services for families of poor and socially excluded children. Particularly vulnerable groups in the programme include Roma, children from single-parent families, migrants, children with disabilities, and children living in at-risk family environments.

36.Preventive activities and awareness-raising efforts regarding violence are carried out in local communities with the aim of bringing institutions together and jointly combating violence. In 2025, the project “Know Bullying – Combating Violence in Schools Through Knowledge” is being piloted during the 2025–2026 school year at five elementary schools, including workshops for pupils, parents, and school staff, as well as training for teachers and counsellors.

37.In 2025, a project to upgrade the services of CSD with the aim of more intensive and effective support to children and families in various challenging situations, and help parents acquire the necessary knowledge and values to enhance their parenting skills and approaches, while CSD will provide better assistance and support to children in need, including in their own homes. A part of the same project is also strengthening the competencies of professionals at the CSD to increase children’s participation in social welfare services, so that children are more actively involved in the processes that directly affect them. Project activities will include the organisation of 25 regional consultations with children to gain a better understanding of their experiences, value orientations, accessibility, and inclusion in various subsystems and services.

38.As part of the National Platform for Roma project, a handbook on identifying and responding in cases of early and forced marriages in the Roma community was published in 2021. It was prepared in collaboration with representatives of the relevant ministries and other state stakeholders and the Council of the Roma Community of the RS. The handbook contains key information on the issue, legislation, existing procedures for taking action, specific case studies from practice, and contact information for the most experienced non‑governmental organisations, which institutions, other organisations, and individuals can turn to for assistance and cooperation in addressing this issue. In the years that followed, the handbook was supplemented by a series of multidisciplinary professional training programmes for key personnel involved in addressing and preventing this issue – including professionals from school counselling services, social work centres, Roma affairs coordinators, and others – in regions or communities where the issue of early and forced marriages is prominent.

Reply to paragraph 6 (e)

39.The DZ stipulates that a child – that is, a person under the age of 18 – may not enter into marriage. However, a court may, for valid reasons, permit a child who has reached the age of 15 to enter into marriage if the child has attained such physical and mental maturity as to be able to understand the meaning and consequences of the rights and obligations arising from the marriage. A marriage may therefore be contracted before the age of 18 only with the permission of a court. Before rendering a decision, the court may request an opinion from the social work centre. The Criminal Code prohibits cohabitation similar to marriage with a child, punishable by up to five years in prison.

40.As part of the National Platform for the Roma, a handbook on identifying early and forced marriages in the Roma community and on how to respond to such cases was published in 2021. It contains key information on the issue, legislation, existing procedures for taking action, specific case studies from practice, and contact information for the most experienced non-governmental organisations, which institutions, other organizations, and individuals can turn to for assistance and cooperation in addressing this issue. The handbook was later supplemented by a series of multidisciplinary professional training programmes for key personnel involved in addressing and preventing this issue – including professionals from school counselling services, social work centres, Roma coordinators, and others – in environments where the issue of early and forced marriages is prominent.

41.In 2026, a mid-term evaluation of the National Programme of Measures for Roma 2021–2030 (NPUR 2021–2030) will be conducted. The measures addressing harmful practices, early and forced marriages will also be reviewed. As part of the mid-term evaluation, proposals for amendments or changes to the NPUR 2021–2030 may be developed in cooperation with ministries and other institutions.

Reply to paragraph 7 (a)

42.Family matters are heard by district courts of general jurisdiction at the first instance, where family law divisions are established within the courts. Family law divisions are established at all eleven district courts in the RS.

43.The Judicial Training Centre is responsible for professional development and training for work in the judicial system; as part of its duties, it organises and oversees various forms of continuing education for judges, professional associates, and court staff; as part of this, it also regularly organises family law judicial schools, conferences for judges in the field of family law, and other training programmes in the field of family law and the prevention of domestic violence. (See Tables 2 and 3 in the appendix).

Reply to paragraph 7 (b)

44.Foster care is regulated by the Act on the Pursuit of Foster Care (ZIRD), which was revised in 2025. Significant changes improve conditions for children and foster parents. They regulate the amount and structure of foster care payments, introduce financial incentives and an annual vacation allowance, expand the scope of mandatory training to include new training topics and introduce supervision. ZIRD defines clearer responsibilities for foster parents, provides for the possibility of free legal aid, and establishes foster care as a profession even for the care of a single child. The amendment also stipulates the obligation of CSD to extend foster care agreements after the child reaches the age of majority, regulates cooperation with the family and parents, ensures the child the opportunity for a confidential interview with the centre, and systematically equalises the rights of children and adults who have extended foster care contracts with those of other recipients of child allowance.

45.In 2024, the “Strategy of the RS for Deinstitutionalisation in Social Care for the Period 2024–2034” was adopted, which emphasises the urgent need to provide timely support to families and children to avoid placement in an institution or with a foster family.

46.In 2025, an amendment to the Social Protection Act was adopted, introducing a new social protection service known as “community support.” The goals of the new service are to enable children with disabilities and serious illnesses to remain in their families or communities (rather than being placed in institutions); to relieve the burden on, support, and strengthen families caring for children with disabilities and serious illnesses, thereby improving the quality of family life; and to facilitate the transition of children from institutional care back to their biological families, into foster care, or other forms of community living. Families and children will receive support tailored to the child’s needs based on an individual plan for the child and family, which will include a wide range of services, such as support with child care, community integration, assistance with household tasks related to the child’s needs, and support for the child and family during reintegration.

Reply to paragraph 8

47.Disability policy is based on a human rights-based approach, with the state prioritising the respect for and implementation of the rights of persons with disabilities. It is organised horizontally across various departments with the aim of ensuring equal access to rights and services for all people with disabilities, including children with disabilities. (See answers 4 and 7b).

Reply to paragraph 9 (a)

48.The infant mortality rate in Slovenia is one of the lowest in the world. The perinatal mortality rate for infants weighing more than 1,000 grams was 3.0 per 1,000 births in 2023. In Slovenia in 2024, an average of 1.7 infants died per 1,000 live births, representing 13 boys and 16 girls. Perinatal mortality, regardless of the infant’s birth weight, was 6.1 per 1,000 births. Stillbirths accounted for 85% of perinatal mortality. (See Tables 4 and 5 in appendix).

Reply to paragraph 9 (b)

49.Children’s sexual and reproductive health is covered by mandatory health insurance and a primary prevention programme that provides free check-ups, contraception, prenatal counselling, postnatal check-ups, and home-based care. The programme is open to all children, including vulnerable and minority groups.

50.Minors have access to free contraceptives, safe abortion services up to the 10th week of pregnancy, and medical and surgical care. Slovenia has women’s clinics at the primary care level and 14 hospitals with obstetrics and gynaecology departments, including two tertiary centres for neonatal intensive care. The preventive programme includes childbirth preparation and parenting classes.

51.Early preventive check-ups and developmental clinics enable comprehensive monitoring of children, early detection of problems, and timely intervention for vulnerable children. In 2024, the network of developmental clinics was expanded to further improve the early detection of developmental issues and ensure timely care for children with special needs, contributing to high-quality perinatal care and low perinatal mortality. (See Tables 6 and 7 in the appendix).

Reply to paragraph 9 (c)

52.Education on healthy sexuality is part of a comprehensive health education programme for children and adolescents under the ZDAJ programme. The goal is health literacy, which enables young people to understand, evaluate, and use health information to lead a healthy lifestyle, prevent disease, and access healthcare. The content is organised into three levels: systematic health screenings in 6th grade, 8th grade, and 1st year of high school; regular collaboration with preschools, elementary schools, and high schools, where topics such as physical changes, self-image, interpersonal relationships, and sexuality are discussed, as well as the integration of content into curricula and elective courses.

53.The programme also offers an anonymous counselling service called “This Is Me,” professional support for teachers and educators, and regular annual training for programme staff. The HPV vaccine is free for all 6th-grade students and young people up to age 26. The Ministry of Health (MZ) conducts media campaigns on tobacco, alcohol, and digital behaviour, as well as campaigns to promote HPV vaccination.

Reply to paragraph 9 (d)

54.According to data from the National Institute of Public Health, cigarette smoking among adolescents increases with age. The proportion of those who have smoked rises from less than 3% among 11-year-olds to 42% among 17-year-olds. Gender differences are significant only among 11-year-olds, with boys smoking more frequently than girls. The use of e-cigarettes is also on the rise (from about 4% among 11-year-olds to more than 34% among 17-year-olds), while the proportion of current users reaches 18.1% among 17‑year-olds, with no significant differences between the genders.

55.Cannabis use increases with age: 13.7% of 15-year-olds and 33.8% of 17-year-olds have used it at some point in their lives, while 7.8% and 15.1%, respectively, have used it in the past 30 days. Daily users account for 1.4% of 15-year-olds and 2.6% of 17-year-olds, and nearly half of adolescents believe that cannabis is easily accessible.

56.Approximately 12.9% of 17-year-olds have also tried other illicit drugs (boys more often than girls), most commonly prescription drugs for countering depression, ecstasy, hallucinogenic mushrooms, cocaine, amphetamines, and LSD.

57.Addiction treatment is provided at the Centre for the Treatment of Illicit Drug Addiction at the Ljubljana University Psychiatric Hospital and on an outpatient basis at 21 centres across Slovenia. Between 2022 and 2025, 91 programmes run by non‑governmental organisations were co-funded to prevent tobacco, alcohol, and drug use and to promote mental health.

Reply to paragraph 9 (e)

58.Based on the Resolution on the National Programme for Mental Health 2018–2028, a network of mental health centres is being established. There are 22 child mental health centres operating at the primary care level, where multidisciplinary teams provide comprehensive care in a single location.

59.The MZ funds free psychological counselling for youth aged 14 to 29 through a network of counselling centres operating under the Slovenian Association for Suicide Prevention. The prevention programme “This Is Me” offers telephone and online counselling as well as school workshops for children and adolescents. In 2024, the OECD recognised this as an example of good practice. The online platform records 150,000 users, more than 200,000 visits, and 800,000 page views annually.

60.During the past school year, 1,427 workshops were held by 196 experts in 137 elementary and secondary schools. The Healthy School and Healthy Kindergartens initiatives promote a healthy lifestyle and mental health in educational institutions. The network includes 440 elementary and secondary schools, and in the 2022/23 school year, 184 kindergartens carried out activities for more than 31,000 children in 1,674 groups.

Reply to paragraph 10

61.When formulating climate policies, Slovenia takes into account the impact of climate change on children and the importance of involving them in decision-making processes. The Climate Act (2025) establishes a comprehensive framework for mitigating and adapting to climate change and includes measures to reduce risks associated with extreme weather events, heat waves, and environmental degradation, which also directly affect children’s health and well-being.

62.In international climate negotiations, Slovenia emphasises the protection of children’s rights, safeguarding them from the impacts of climate change, and the importance of intergenerational justice. Since 2023, Slovenia has been implementing the Youth Climate Delegate project, carried out in collaboration between the Slovenian Youth Council and the Ministry of the Environment, Climate, and Energy. The aim of the initiative is to involve young people in international climate negotiations, empower them, and strengthen their voice in climate policy-making. The Youth Climate Delegate participates in activities under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), including sessions of the Conference of the Parties (COP), and connects youth with decision-makers at the national and international levels.

63.At the UNEA7 session in Nairobi in 2025, Slovenia organised an event on the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment and the participation of children and youth. In this context, the importance of formal mechanisms for youth engagement, dialogue with the Slovenian Youth Council, and investment in green jobs and education for sustainable development were emphasised.

Reply to paragraph 11 (a)

64.Although there is a shortage of approximately 3,600 educators and teachers, the educational process is proceeding smoothly, thanks to various measures aimed at improving staff utilisation and making the teaching profession more attractive. Amendments to the Organisation and Financing of Education Act allow for the temporary employment of candidates who do not otherwise meet all the requirements, as well as the conclusion of supplementary work contracts for up to 20% of full-time hours. Slovenia also provides funding for programmes aimed at obtaining additional qualifications – funding for which has increased by 500% over the past two years – and are facilitating the return of retired teachers to the classroom (in the 2025–26 school year).

65.To make the teaching profession more attractive, Slovenia is strengthening continuing education and training (funding increased by 40%), modernising the teacher promotion system, funding a mentorship-based induction programme, and providing scholarships for teacher education in fields with shortages, such as the natural sciences, technology, and special education.

Reply to paragraph 11 (b)

66.Slovenia is reducing disparities in educational achievement among socio‑economically disadvantaged children, migrant children, and Roma children through regulatory, staffing, and financial measures in preschool and elementary school, as well as through additional changes introduced in the 2025/26 school year.

67.In elementary schools, more favourable standards apply to classes with Roma students, including smaller class sizes, additional teaching staff and Roma assistants, as well as extra hours for Slovenian language instruction and specialised support. The 2025 amendment to the Elementary School Act introduces a strengthened, multi-tiered approach to preventing truancy and allows for the use of data on Roma community affiliation (with parental consent) for targeted support.

68.For migrant students, introductory Slovenian language classes and additional support are provided upon their enrolment in school. The 2024 amendment to the Elementary School Act allows for the gradual integration of immigrant students into compulsory subjects while facilitating their socialisation within the classroom. Students may initially be enrolled primarily in introductory Slovenian language classes, and then, based on the professional judgement of teachers, gradually integrated into individual subjects. In their first year of schooling, they may not be graded in certain subjects, but they may advance to the next grade. Adjustments to assessment and classroom organisation may also be applied later, until the student achieves an appropriate level of proficiency in the language of instruction. Schools use individual support plans for this purpose and involve school counselling services.

Reply to paragraph 11 (c)

69.Slovenia implements a policy of inclusive education for students with special needs, which enables their inclusion in regular educational programmes with additional professional support and accommodations whenever this is in the student’s best interest. This support includes adjustments to teaching methods and formats, classroom organisation, time and space accommodations, and the use of supportive technology and aids.

70.Professional support for teachers is provided by the Slovenian Institute for Education, which develops guidelines and adapted materials for working with students with various types of disabilities, such as physical disabilities, blindness or visual impairments, and hearing impairments. Within this system, students are also provided with various forms of additional professional support to enable their participation in regular programmes.

71.The Equalisation of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities Act stipulates that persons with disabilities shall be guaranteed inclusion in education at all levels and in lifelong learning under the same conditions as others, including appropriate accommodations to the educational process based on their individual needs.

Reply to paragraph 11 (d)

72.The early inclusion of migrant children in preschool or short-term programmes supports language development, socialisation, and school readiness. In preschools, inequalities are further reduced through individualised support, learning the Slovenian language through play, collaboration with parents, a culturally inclusive environment, and the affordability of preschools. It is also important to collaborate with local communities, social services, healthcare institutions, and non-governmental organisations.

73.Slovenia is improving children’s access to preschool education, particularly for Roma children, through measures aimed at early inclusion, the removal of financial barriers, and the gradual integration of children from vulnerable backgrounds into preschool. For children who do not attend preschool in the year before entering elementary school, shorter preschool education programmes totalling 240 hours are offered; these are free of charge for parents and funded by the state budget. They are primarily intended for children from socio‑economically disadvantaged backgrounds, Roma children, and children of immigrants, and they promote the development of social and language skills as well as school readiness.

74.The inclusion of children in regular kindergarten programmes is also supported by a system of reduced kindergarten fees based on family income, under which the second child attending kindergarten alongside an older sibling, as well as the third and every subsequent child in the family, is exempt from fees. The kindergartens also allow for the hiring of Roma assistants and provide additional funds to cover the increased costs of working with children from vulnerable backgrounds.

Reply to paragraph 11 (e)

75.Slovenia ensures the child’s right to leisure time, play, recreational activities, and participation in cultural and artistic life primarily through kindergartens, schools, and extracurricular activities. These activities are part of educational programmes, interest-based activities, activity days, and nature schools. Children from socially disadvantaged backgrounds are eligible for fee waivers or co-financing, while children with disabilities are provided with adjustments to facilitate their participation in regular activities.

76.Children with disabilities can obtain an EU Disability Card, which provides discounts in the areas of transportation, tourism, culture, sports, and leisure.

77.During the 2021–2027 programming period, we are supporting projects that ensure children’s access to leisure, sports, culture, and the arts, with a special focus on children in rural areas, those from socially disadvantaged backgrounds, and children with disabilities.

78.During the 2024–2029 period, European funds are used to improve access to cultural and educational activities for children and youth. In 2025, the Ministry of Culture established the Development Office for Cultural and Arts Education and five regional centres, and upgraded the Cultural Bazaar. The Ministry also supports cultural heritage awareness programmes, which reach approximately 25,000 children and youth each year. (See Table 8 in the appendix).

Reply to paragraph 12 (a)

79.Under the International Protection Act, UAM are assigned a legal representative to defend their rights. Before being included on the list of legal representatives candidates must complete a 40-hour training course and a suitability assessment, and then participate in additional training every three years.

80.The PATS project, led by the Government Office for the Support and Integration of Migrants in cooperation with a non-governmental organisation, also plays an important role in protecting the asylum seeking children. The project is designed to identify vulnerabilities, including signs of human trafficking, and to provide appropriate protection and assistance.

81.The safety of migrant children in Slovenia is generally not at risk, but there is a risk that they could become victims of human trafficking along the way or in their destination country. For this reason, they are provided with information about the dangers and available sources of assistance. As many leave the country within a few days, they are advised to contact organisations such as the Red Cross or the police in the event of exploitation. The professional staff of the PATS project are trained to identify victims of human trafficking.

82.Under the international protection system, UAM are guaranteed protection in accordance with international and European obligations. A new law is being drafted that will replace the existing International Protection Act, in accordance with the Pact on Migration and Asylum, and further improve the protection of minors.

Reply to paragraph 12 (b)

83.Slovenia is aware that, despite long-standing measures, disparities in the enjoyment of rights between Roma children and children of the majority population still exist, particularly in the areas of education and health.

84.With regard to education, the focus is on early intervention, particularly in integrating Roma children into preschool education and monitoring regular attendance in elementary school. Collaboration between kindergartens, schools, social work centres, and local communities is being strengthened, with Roma assistants and school counselling services playing an important coordinating role. Greater attention is also being paid to the use of data for targeted planning of support while safeguarding privacy. Multi-purpose Roma centres play an important role, serving as local hubs for linking the areas of education, health, social inclusion, and leisure, and helping to integrate children and families into public services.

85.Measures for migrant children include early integration into education and training, language support, and adjustments to the learning process. Introductory Slovenian language courses are offered, along with adjustments to instruction and assessment, and support from school counselling services.

86.For applicants for international protection and their children, Slovenian language courses and academic support are provided at the asylum centre in Ljubljana. The programme includes literacy training and support for children, particularly in elementary school. For UAM, a 300-hour literacy programme is provided, which prepares them for enrolment in adult education and facilitates their integration.

87.Persons with recognised international protection are offered 400 hours of Slovenian language classes, assistance with daily affairs, accompaniment to government offices, a course on Slovenian society, and educational support for children.

88.Within three months of submitting their application, children seeking international protection are guaranteed access to primary education. UAM are also guaranteed access to secondary and vocational education under the same conditions as Slovenian citizens.

89.Minors seeking international protection, UAM, and children who have been granted international protection are entitled to health care to the same extent as Slovenian children. The same applies to students over the age of 18 until the end of their schooling, but no later than age 26.

Reply to paragraph 12 (c)

90.Children under the age of 15 are prohibited from working. Exceptions may be made in cases where a child participates, for pay, in film productions or in artistic, cultural, sporting, or advertising activities. Children over the age of 13 may perform light work for a maximum of 30 days in a calendar year during school vacations, provided that the work does not endanger their safety, health, morals, education, or development. The types of light work are specified by a subordinate act. Prior authorisation from the labour inspector is required to perform such work, upon request by the legal representative. (See also answer 13).

Reply to paragraph 12 (d)

91.Aid to children identified as victims of human trafficking is provided through state‑funded emergency shelter and safe space programmes implemented by non‑governmental and humanitarian organisations. The victims are provided with safe accommodation, medical care, psychological support, counselling, and translation services. The project for the protection and reintegration of victims of human trafficking for the period 2024–2027 is also being implemented.

92.Protection is provided in practice by social work centres in cooperation with the police, the public prosecutor’s office, healthcare institutions, and non-governmental organisations. The measures include safe accommodation, needs assessment, psychosocial support, medical care, and follow-up, with special attention given to UAM. As part of the PATS project, standard procedures have been established for prevention and response in cases of sexual violence, under which a team of experts prepares and monitors individual assistance plans for victims. (See answer 12a).

Reply to paragraph 13

93.The Juvenile Criminal Proceedings Act, adopted in January 2026, stipulates that if there are grounds for ordering detention, but the court assesses that the juvenile requires more intensive individual assistance from professionals, it shall order temporary placement in a youth reintegration centre instead of detention. On the basis of this, the professional team at the youth reintegration centre, in cooperation with the CSD or the juvenile centre, immediately after the minor’s placement, examines the possibilities for the minor’s continued participation in educational, training and other programmes in which they were already participating prior to placement in the youth reintegration home, or for inclusion in other appropriate programmes and forms of assistance based on the minor’s needs, in accordance with the restrictions necessary to ensure safety and maintain order in the youth reintegration home, and in accordance with the restrictions arising from the grounds for ordering this restrictive measure.

94.The law emphasises the principle of subsidiarity in criminal prosecution; therefore, measures aimed at avoiding criminal prosecution (e.g., settlement or deferred prosecution) are given priority. If such proceedings are successful, criminal proceedings for the same act will not be initiated.

95.Younger minors may only be subject to educational measures, while older minors are generally subject to educational measures, and in exceptional cases, a sentence. The most common measures are non-institutional educational measures, such as a reprimand, instructions, or supervision by the CSD.

96.For more complex cases, an individual assessment is prepared by an interdisciplinary team of experts, which also recommends appropriate approaches for working with the minor and collaborating with his or her family. In the event of potential detention, the minor has the right to a medical examination.

Reply to paragraph 14

97.The Action Plan for Combating Human Trafficking for the period 2025–2026 is currently in effect. As part of the plan, employees of administrative units, particularly civil registrars, are being trained to recognise indicators of human trafficking, including forced marriages and subsequent exploitation, with a special focus on at-risk groups, such as Roma communities.

98.Based on the amendment to the European Directive on preventing trafficking in human beings, we plan to expand the definition of the criminal offence of human trafficking to include new forms of victim exploitation: surrogacy, forced marriages, and illegal adoptions.

Reply to paragraph 15

99.Where decisions granting subsidiary protection are linked to the age of majority, these were not related to flight from war zones. When it comes to granting subsidiary protection due to non-discriminatory violence, decisions regarding children are not based on the age of majority, but on the existence of violence. Subsidiary protection is a status with limited validity that is subject to renewal, with newly arising grounds also being taken into account during the renewal process.

Reply to paragraph 16 (a)

Education

100.The amendment to the Act on the Organisation and Financing of Education (2025) strengthens funding for development and investments, cooperation among multiple municipalities in investments in the infrastructure of public educational institutions, and funding for teaching materials, school transportation, and institutional activities.

101.The amendment to the Elementary School Act, adopted in 2025, establishes rules governing the organisation of school work, the rights and obligations of students, the use of personal electronic devices, annual work plans, school rules, disciplinary warnings, enrolment procedures, excused absences, and additional Slovenian language instruction for students from the Roma community. It also regulates school transportation and home schooling. Updated curricula for elementary and secondary education are being gradually introduced. Secondary legislation governs school rules, student assessment and promotion, the administration of the high school graduation exam, the approval of teaching materials, school transportation, and accommodations for students with special needs.

102.The new School Inspection Act (2025) has been adopted, defining the powers and procedures for supervision and introducing systematic reviews of the operations of educational institutions.

103.An amendment to the Preschool Act (2025) improves the organisation, accessibility, and implementation of shorter preschool education programmes, including for children with special needs. The updated curriculum documents will be implemented in the 2025–2026 school year.

Health and risk prevention

104.A 2024 law restricting the use of tobacco and related products bans appealing flavours in heated tobacco products and, starting in 2025, in e-cigarettes, and imposes strict restrictions on sales, advertising, and use by minors. Starting in 2026, smoking or the use of related products will be prohibited in all enclosed public and workplace areas.

105.Since 2025, the Use of Cannabis for Medical and Scientific Purposes Act has provided patients with access to medical cannabis, including for the treatment of epilepsy in adolescents.

106.Since 2023, the Rakitna Youth Climate Health Resort has been offering a specialised inpatient programme called “Digital Detox”, designed for children and adolescents showing signs of digital addiction. It is funded by mandatory health insurance.

107.The updated Rules on carrying out preventive health care at the primary level (2023) include newborn screening programmes and comprehensive reproductive care for pregnant women and children.

Rights to child support

108.In September 2022, new regulations came into effect regarding the procedure for claiming the right to child support. Under the new regulations, in cases of non-payment of child support, a child is no longer required to initiate enforcement proceedings before the competent enforcement court prior to filing a claim for child support.

Culture

109.In addition to the Resolution on the National Programme for Culture 2024–2031, the Act on the Realisation of Cultural Rights of Members of the Nations of the Former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia was adopted in 2024, which regulates the preservation of identity, culture, mother tongue, script, and media content, as well as the promotion of inter cultural dialogue and coexistence. Since 2025, the Ministry of Culture has also been co‑funding projects aimed at the children of members of these communities.

International protection and temporary protection

110.In March 2021, the Act Amending the International Protection Act was adopted, which, among other things, enabled the placement of UAM in a special facility designated for minors, periodic training for legal representatives of UAM every three years; and the extension of legal representation for UAM after the conclusion of the international protection procedure until a new guardian is appointed in accordance with applicable law.

111.In October 2021, the Regulation on the Implementation of Legal Representation for Unaccompanied Minors and on the Provision of Appropriate Accommodation, Care, and Treatment for Unaccompanied Minors was adopted. Key changes in the new regulation address: notifying the social services centre of the need to appoint a guardian; notifying the police in the event of the disappearance of an UAM; issuing a certificate of completed training in electronic form; communication skills as part of the training; the method of creating and maintaining a list of legal representatives for UAM.

112.In October 2023, the Regulation on the Provision of Appropriate Accommodation, Care, and Treatment of Unaccompanied Minors was adopted and entered into force in 2024 and regulates the accommodation of UAM based on the stage of the procedure, the circumstances, and the age of the individual UAM, whether they are an applicant for international protection, an applicant for temporary protection, a foreign national, a person with international protection status, or a person with temporary protection status. The Government Office for the Support and Integration of Migrants manages accommodation facilities, organises their operations, and oversees the care and residence of minors in these facilities.

113.In March 2025, the Temporary Protection of Displaced Persons Act (ZZZRO-1) was adopted. It was adopted with the aim of improving and modernising the existing system of temporary protection for displaced persons in the Republic of Slovenia. Temporary protection was first activated in 2022, and over the years revealed the need for adjustments to the legislation, which until then had existed only at the normative level. The provisions of ZZZRO-1 relating to UAM establish a comprehensive framework for special protection based on the principle of the best interests of the child.

114.In April 2025, the Rules Amending the Rules on Remuneration and Reimbursement of Expenses to Legal Representatives of Unaccompanied Minors were adopted, thereby improving the terms of payment for legal representatives of UAM.

Prohibition of forced child labour

115.In December 2027 the European regulation on prohibiting products made with forced labour, explicitly prohibiting forced child labour, will enter into force. Forced labour means forced or compulsory labour as defined in Article 2 of International Labour Organisation Convention No. 29, including child labour.

Reply to paragraph 16 (b)

116.A reform of the education system is currently under way. Expert and inter ministerial working groups are preparing curricular changes, strategic documents, and legislation, while the Slovenian Institute for Education provides expert support and monitors implementation in kindergartens and schools. The new School Inspection Act introduces systematic reviews of the operations of educational institutions. The inclusion of Roma children is facilitated through the Roma Community Council and the Office of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia for Nationalities, with inter ministerial cooperation in the fields of education, social welfare, and health.

117.A network of mental health centres for children and adolescents provides regional support, early screening, and interventions to promote children’s mental health. Special treatment programmes and a network of 21 Centres for the Prevention and Treatment of Addiction, including non-governmental organisations, are available for minors with addictions to illicit substances. Since 2023, the Digital Detox programme has been implemented for children and adolescents with digital addictions.

118.In 2025, an amendment to the Social Protection Act was adopted, introducing a “community support” service designed to provide community-based support to children with disabilities and serious illnesses who live with their biological families, foster parents, or guardians. Families and children will receive support based on an individual plan for the child and family, which will include a wide range of services, such as support with childcare, community integration, assistance with household tasks related to the child’s needs, and support for the child and family during reintegration following institutional care.

Reply to paragraph 16 (c)

119.Recently introduced policies, programmes and action plans in the RS:

(a)Modernisation of the social protection system and child and family services to improve the efficiency, accessibility, and quality of services for the inclusion of target groups, 2025–2029, total value of €25.5 million;

(b)Multigenerational centres+, 2024–2029, total value of €24.5 million; 16 projects selected;

(c)Action plan for the Digital Slovenia 2030 strategy for 2025 and 2026;

(d)A public call for proposals for the education of children and youth to strengthen digital competencies and to encourage and promote careers in science and technology for the years 2025 and 2026; 34 projects co-financed, total amount of €6,305,551.00;

(e)Strategic Plan 2022–2027/32 to promote the quality of youth work;

(f)The Youth Transition + Project (2025–2029);

(g)Action Programme for Persons with Disability 2022–-2030;

(h)National Health Literacy Strategy 2025–2035;

(i)National Programme for Reducing Alcohol Consumption for 2025–2026;

(j)Strategy for a Tobacco-Free Slovenia 2022–2030;

(k)Action Plan of the National Mental Health Programme 2025–2028;

(l)The 2024/25 Healthy Eating Guidelines have been updated to ensure that hot meals are provided in preschools, elementary and secondary schools, and student dormitories;

(m)The NEON – Safe Without Violence programme, the primary prevention of violence against children, 2023–2025;

(n)The National Financial Literacy Programme 2025;

(o)Public Call for Psychosocial Programmes: Support for Families in High-Risk and/or Highly Conflictual Situations, duration 2021–2022, total value €300,000, 14 selected providers;

(p)National campaign against hate speech: “Think Before You Click”;

(q)Publication “Hate Speech, Health, and Youth” in 2025;

(r)The Slovenian police are implementing (expected to continue until 2029) a project to establish a national database of child sexual abuse material to improve the effectiveness of investigations and the identification of victims.

Reply to paragraph 16 (d)

120.On 26 October 2021, the National Assembly adopted the Act ratifying the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. The Convention subsequently entered into force for Slovenia on 14 January 2022.

121.On 30 January 2025, the National Assembly adopted the Act ratifying the Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness of 30 August 1961. The instrument subsequently entered into force for Slovenia in 2025.

122.In 2021, Slovenia ratified the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.

Reply to paragraph 17

123.See Tables 9, 10 and 11 in the appendix.

Reply to paragraph 18 (a)

124.The police may not compile statistics based on ethnic origin or national origin. The statistics below show the number of specific crimes against children. The statistics show the number of children or minors who are victims of criminal offences, broken down by gender. The suspect in a criminal offence may be an adult male or a peer. The police do not maintain separate statistics for child sexual abuse occurring in the home or outside the home; they only categorise by relationship. We also do not keep separate statistics for child sexual abuse online and in the physical environment; however, criminal offences involving the display, production, possession, and distribution of pornography are almost entirely linked to activity on the internet and smart devices. (See Tables 12, 13, 14 and 15 in the appendix).

Reply to paragraph 18 (b)

125.No official statistical data on cases of child marriage is available, as these are not officially registered marriages. Such marriages are generally informal, so information about these cases often does not reach centres and other institutions at all, or it reaches them after a delay, through indirect sources.

126.In 2026, we are preparing a Situation Analysis of the Status of Children in Slovenia; a special chapter will be dedicated to the issues and challenges of forced and early child marriages. (See also answer 6e).

Reply to paragraph 18 (c)

127.See Table 16 in the appendix.

Reply to paragraph 18 (d)

128.The Register of Foreigners, which is maintained regarding residence permits under the Foreigners Act, shows that between 2023 and 2025, no stateless children were involved in the permit issuance process.

Reply to paragraph 18 (e)

129.The Slovenian police do not record data on ethnic affiliation. Statistical data are based on gender, age, and citizenship. We also do not separately collect data on UAM, or on migrant children (the term covers both legal entry and residence as well as illegal entry and illegal residence). The statistics cover persons who have expressed their intention to apply for international protection in the Republic of Slovenia.

130.In 2023, 159 children seeking international protection were newly placed in care, of whom 111 were accompanied by their parents or guardians (51 boys and 60 girls) and 48 were unaccompanied. The latter were all boys. (See Table 17 in the appendix).

131.In 2024, 141 UAM seeking international protection were accommodated in facilities for UAM, including 137 boys and 4 girls. In the first months of 2024, they were housed in a student dormitory in Postojna, and from April 2024 onward, in a special accommodation facility for UAM in Postojna. In 2024, UAM accounted for 2.5% (2023: 0.67%) of all applicants for international protection. Their number has nearly tripled compared to 2023. Among the newly accommodated children accompanied by adults were 70 boys and 41 girls, for a total of 111 children. In total, 252 children seeking international protection were newly accommodated in 2024.

132.Data for 2024, broken down by status (intentional applicants, applicants for international protection, persons under international protection, persons under temporary protection), show a total of 2,376 UAM minors placed, of whom 2,340 were boys and 36 were girls. Among those newly accommodated in 2024, the largest group consisted of Syrian nationals (1,002), followed by nationals of Afghanistan (569), Egypt (512), Morocco (114), Turkey (52), Pakistan (37), Somalia (15), Iran (10), and others (65).

133.In 2025, there were 215 children among the newly accommodated applicants for international protection, including 50 accompanied children (34 boys and 16 girls) and 165 UAM (161 boys and 4 girls). In 2025, 1,344 UAM with various statuses were accommodated in Postojna, of whom 1,328 were boys and 16 were girls. Among the newly accommodated UAM in 2025, the largest group consisted of Egyptian nationals (799), followed by nationals of Afghanistan (282), Morocco (60), Syria (49), Turkey (36), Bangladesh (32), Pakistan (16), Sierra Leone (11), Ukraine (10), and others (49). (See Tables 18 and 19 in the appendix).

Reply to paragraph 18 (f)

134.Most applications for child labour under the Employment Relationships Act pertain to the employment of children under the age of 15 who participate in film production, as well as in the preparation and performance of artistic, theatrical, and other works in the fields of culture, the arts, sports, and advertising. A small proportion relates to the employment of children who have reached the age of 13 and have performed light work for a maximum of 30 days in a given calendar year during school vacations, including in other sectors, provided that the nature, scope, and conditions of the work they performed do not endanger their safety, health, morals, education, and development. The percentage of applications submitted for work permits for children under the age of 15 amounts to just under 2% for 2023; approximately 3% for 2024; and approximately 2% for 2025 of all applications submitted.

135.Data from the Slovenian Labour Inspectorate regarding the employment of children under the age of 15 show that 806 applications for the employment of children under the age of 15 were submitted in 2023; 19 applications were rejected, primarily due to late submission, and one application was withdrawn.

136.In 2024, 1,027 applications were submitted; 19 applications were rejected, primarily due to late submission, and 2 applications were withdrawn.

137.In 2025, 973 applications were submitted; 15 applications were rejected, primarily due to late submission, and 3 applications were withdrawn.

Reply to paragraph 18 (g)

138.There is no data on children living on the streets. This phenomenon is also not observed. In 2024, a field survey was conducted in Ljubljana as part of the European Homelessness Count project, during which 132 children were identified among the households interviewed across six types of accommodation classified as homelessness according to the ETHOS Light classification, and additionally fewer than 10 UAM aged between 16 and 17. Between 2022 and 2024, 16 children were enrolled in day programmes, 32 individuals in shelters, and 29 children in overnight shelters and housing support for the homeless. Most of these young people participated together with their parents or primary family, although the programmes are otherwise intended for the adult population.

Reply to paragraph 18 (h)

139.Child at-risk-of-poverty rate in 2025 was 11.6%, which is lower than the at‑risk‑of‑poverty rate for the total population. See Tables 20, 21 and 22 in the appendix.

Reply to paragraph 18 (i)

140.With regard to domestic violence, the CSDs maintain statistics that include the gender and age (under 18 and over 18) of the victims, the form of violence, the nature of the relationship between the victim and the perpetrator, and the gender of the perpetrator.

141.According to the Ministry of the Interior data on identified victims of human trafficking who were included in the assistance programme “Care for Victims of Human Trafficking – Crisis Accommodation and Safe Accommodation and Reintegration.”, no minors were included in these programmes during the reporting period.

142.In 2023 and 2024, six children were victimised, including five girls and one boy, four of whom were aged 13–15, from Slovenia and Romania.

Reply to paragraph 19 (a)

143.See Tables 23, 24, 25 and 26 in the appendix.

Reply to paragraph 19 (b)

144.See Table 23 in the appendix.

Reply to paragraph 19 (c)

145.See Tables 24, 25 and 26 in the appendix.

Reply to paragraph 19 (d)

146.In Slovenia, there are significantly more prospective adoptive parents than children available for adoption. The DZ stipulates that children with Slovenian citizenship may be placed for adoption abroad only if suitable adoptive parents cannot be found for such a child in Slovenia. The DZ does not prohibit Slovenian citizens from adopting a child from another country. Due to the imbalance between the number of children and the number of adoption candidates, there are few adoptions in Slovenia, and a trend toward adopting children from abroad has been evident for several years.

Reply to paragraph 19 (e)

147.Data on adoptions are recorded in the Civil Registry. See Table 27 in the appendix.

Reply to paragraph 20 (b)

148.See Tables 28 and 29 in the appendix.

Reply to paragraph 20 (c)

149.See Table 30 in the appendix.

Reply to paragraph 20 (d)

150.See Table 31 in the appendix.

Reply to paragraph 20 (e)

151.See Table 32 in the appendix.

152.There is no data for questions 20a, 20f, and 20g.

Reply to paragraph 21

153.Data is not collected based on ethnic and national origin or socioeconomic status. In accordance with the Data Protection Act, the collection and processing of personal data regarding national or ethnic origin may be permitted only in exceptional cases – specifically, when it is necessary to ensure the exercise of a specific right (e.g., affirmative action regarding members of the Roma community in Slovenia). Such data is collected only on the basis of consent or as required by law.

Reply to paragraph 21 (a)

154.See Table 33 in the appendix.

Reply to paragraph 21 (b)

155.See Tables 34 and 35 in the appendix.

Reply to paragraph 21 (c)

156.On 17 January, 2026, 5 juvenile detainees were held in custody.

Reply to paragraph 21(d)

157.See Tables 36, 37, 38, 39, 40 and 41 in the appendix.

Reply to paragraph 22

158.Between 2021 and 2023, Slovenia participated in an international project led by the Council of Europe and five other countries, titled “CP4EUROPE – Strengthening National Child Participation Frameworks and Action in Europe”. The main objective of the project was to increase opportunities for children’s participation and to support national activities through pan-European action and visibility. The project promoted the use of tools for child participation in a wide variety of areas with the aim of supporting and developing new models of child participation at the national level. The activities in the project were:

(a)Strengthening the knowledge and skills of professionals working with children to facilitate their participation in decision-making processes;

(b)Strengthening the participation skills of vulnerable groups of children;

(c)Developing national recommendations for children’s participation in decision‑making processes.

159.A national conference on child participation was organised at the end of the project.

160.To ensure the right to family life and contact with parents, measures for children whose parents are in prison, were prepared. (See Table 42 in the appendix).

Reply to paragraph 23

161.Slovenia supports projects in developing countries that address children’s rights and provides humanitarian aid that includes assistance for children. (See Tables 43 and 44 in the appendix).

Reply to paragraph 24

162.One of the key measures to improve the financial situation and increase the disposable income of children and families is a tax credit for dependent children. It is structured on a progressive basis, with the amount increasing as the number of dependent children rises, thereby taking into account the varying needs of families.

163.Families with three or more children may receive a motor vehicle tax refund. This measure helps alleviate the financial burden on families when purchasing such a vehicle.

164.In 2026, an Interministerial Working Group was established to draft a law on the protection of children in digital environments, with the task of drafting legislation to regulate the use of social media and similar online services that may have a negative impact on children’s health.

165.In the context of implementing the CRC regarding human trafficking, the primary areas of focus are the early identification of children at risk of trafficking, ensuring effective protection and support for child victims, and preventing secondary victimisation. Special attention is given to UAM, migrant children and asylum seekers, Roma children, and other children in vulnerable situations, for whom social exclusion increases the risk of exploitation. Other priorities include strengthening the skills of professionals who come into contact with children in the course of their work, as well as inter-agency cooperation between the police, social services, educational institutions, and non-governmental organisations. Addressing risks in the digital environment, particularly online recruitment of children and other forms of exploitation, is also recognised as an important priority area, which is taken into account in preventive and awareness-raising activities.