Ukrepi javne politike za naslavljanje marginaliziranih družbenih skupin v času pandemije COVID-19

This master thesis explores how public policy measures addressed marginalised social groups during the COVID-19 pandemic in Slovenia and Croatia. The main focus was on young people and elderly population, as both groups were affected in different ways during the crisis. Young people faced isolation, lack of job opportunities, and limited access to mental health support. Elderly people were at higher health risk and also socially excluded due to strict measures. The goal of the thesis was to analyse which policy responses were implemented in both countries and how these responses influenced the living conditions of the two groups. The methods used were comparative analysis and qualitative content analysis. Documents, reports and expert literature were studied, and interviews with relevant NGOs in Slovenia were conducted, while for Croatia, only one interview and content analysis was possible. The findings show that both countries applied similar protective measures, but with different levels of success in reaching and including marginalised groups. However, in both countries, structural problems and lack of inclusion in policy-making processes were detected. The thesis concludes with recommendations for more inclusive and responsive public policies in future crises.