UPR OF Slovakia – INTERACTIVE DIALOGUE

UPR WORKING GROUP – EIGHTEENTH SESSION
[3 February 2014]

INTERVENTION BY INDIA

Mr. President,

1.India warmly welcomes the delegation of Slovakia and thanks it for the presentation of its national report on human rights situation in the country including follow-up action on recommendations in the first review.

2.We note with appreciation the various initiatives taken by the Government of Slovakia to implement recommendations accepted in the first review including interalia establishment of the Plenipotentiary for National Minorities. 

3.The Human Rights Committee, the CESCR and the CERD have expressed concern that the Slovak National Centre for Human Rights had a limited mandate and independence and had not been provided with adequate resources to carry out its functions. India recommends that Slovakia takes appropriate measures to ensure that the National human rights institution functions in compliance with the Paris Principles.

4.We notice continued stigmatisation of and discrimination against Romaand their poor access to education, housing, health and political participation. In this connection, we recommend that Slovakia:

1. Create effective administrative and judicial mechanisms to remedy discriminatory acts against Roma and other minorities;
2.  Take steps to facilitate access to education health and housing to the Roma community, and
3. Take further measures for the sustainable social development of the Roma community with a focus on their integration into the mainstream society.

Thank youMr. President.

*****