We submitted a report addressing key human rights issues in Slovakia

The Centre has been actively involved in the universal periodic review process (UPR) within its monitoring activities in relation to implementation of human rights commitments by the Slovak Republic. UPR is a unique UN mechanism monitoring implementation of human rights obligations of the UN member states, which involves periodic peer review of all 193 UN member states. It is a universal procedure covering all areas of human rights irrespective of thematic focus.

In the ongoing 4^th cycle, Slovakia will be reviewed at the 46^th session of the UN Human Rights Council in April/May 2024. Therefore, we have submitted our individual submission addressing several key issues of human rights protection and promotion in Slovakia, which have been subject to recommendations from the 3^rd UPR cycle, as well as other issues covered by the Centre:

Pointing out the necessity to bring the Act on Establishment of the Slovak National Centre for Human Rights in line with the Paris Principles, which represent international standards for effective and independent functioning of national human rights institutions.
Warning against the insufficient realisation of the right to education in relation to segregation of Roma children in education, separate education of children with disabilities and the education of Ukrainian children in Slovakia.
Informing about violations of Roma rights, particularly in cases of police brutality, hate speech and anti-Roma discourse, discrimination in health care and the need to compensate victims of forced sterilisations.
Addressing long-term breaches of LGBTI+ rights in Slovakia caused by the absence of legal protection of same-sex couples, accessibility and barriers of medical and legal transitions and stigmatising exclusion of gay and bi- men from blood donation.
Underlying shortcomings in accessibility of safe abortions and attempts to limit the right to sexual and reproductive health of women.
Alerting against hate speech and harassment, including strategic lawsuits against public prosecutions (SLAPP), affecting media freedom and safety of journalists.
Reporting on shrinking democratic space for the civil society and human rights defenders, including fragmented regulation and insufficient funding.
Drawing attention to insufficient and slow process of deinstitutionalisation of social services and inaccessibility of community-based services for persons with disabilities.
Highlighting the need to ensure protection and realisation of the right to clean, healthy and sustainable environment and the necessity to adopt the climate act reflecting human rights standards.

Submission to the Universal periodic review is available in english (pdf).

More information about monitoring and reporting activities of the Centre within UPR is available at the dedicated webpage.