Urgent Need to Address Human Rights of Roma in Slovak Republic
Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, called for urgent action to address severe housing conditions affecting thousands of Roma in Slovakia following his visit from July 8 to 12. O’Flaherty highlighted systemic discrimination against Roma, noting issues like segregation in maternity wards and education, and widespread exclusion from adequate housing and employment. Many Roma live in extreme poverty, lacking basic necessities such as water, sanitation, and electricity. Some reside in unsafe areas prone to flooding or near toxic waste, with reports of ambulance services avoiding these communities even in emergencies.
Despite these challenges, O’Flaherty commended initiatives empowering Roma, particularly those focused on women, which have shown promise in breaking cycles of marginalization. He stressed the need for sustainable, long-term engagement, including addressing the aftermath of past abuses like the forced sterilization of Roma women, calling for justice and compensation.
O’Flaherty also addressed broader human rights issues, including antigypsyism, the relationship between Roma communities and law enforcement, and the importance of independent investigations into police misconduct. He expressed concern over legislative changes affecting media and civil society, criticizing the replacement of public broadcaster RTVS and stressing the need for a human rights-compliant NGO registration law. The Commissioner condemned the recent assassination attempt on Prime Minister Robert Fico, emphasizing the unacceptability of political violence.
This visit was part of O’Flaherty’s focus on Roma and Travellers' human rights across Europe. He visited several locations in Eastern Slovakia, meeting with Roma communities, local authorities, and civil society organizations to discuss these issues.
For more details, visit the website of the Council of Europe.
