On 21 January 2026, more than 1,000 individuals and their families in Slovenia were left without critical social assistance, leaving them unable to afford food and other basic necessities and pushing many into destitution. The punitive measure, introduced under the so-called “Security Law” passed in November 2025, allowed the authorities to seize social assistance from individuals who have accumulated at least three unpaid fines for misdemeanour offences over the past two years. This and other measures passed under the Act have disproportionately affected the Slovenian Roma community, who already face systemic discrimination in all spheres of life, including in employment, housing, and education. Amnesty International calls on the Slovenian authorities to immediately stop implementing and enforcing these punitive measures and amend the Act to comply with Slovenia’s human rights obligations.
