Commission Report 2002 (Slovakia)

1.2. Human rights and the protection of minorities

Slovakia continues to respect human rights and freedoms. This was the conclusion of the 1999 Regular Report and the subsequent Regular Reports, and has been confirmed over the past year. The following section focuses on the most significant developments since the last Regular Report.

Slovakia has ratified the major human rights conventions (see Annex). In July, Slovakia signed Protocol No 13 to the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, concerning the abolition of the death penalty in all circumstances. The Revised European Social Charter still remains to be ratified.

As previously reported, Slovakia has signed but not yet ratified Additional Protocol No 12 to the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, which prohibits discrimination on any grounds. The Slovak Constitution contains a general anti-discrimination provision. However, specific anti-discrimination legislation transposing the EC anti-discrimination acquis remains to be adopted. In June 2002, the Parliament rejected two relevant draft laws (see also Chapter 13 - Social policy and employment).

In December 2001, the Parliament adopted the Act on the Ombudsman and subsequently, in March 2002, elected the first office-holder, an opposition candidate. According to the Act, the Ombudsman is to help protect fundamental rights and freedoms in cases where public administration bodies have violated the legal system or the rule of law. A budget of approximately EUR 0.6 million has been allocated to the Office of the Ombudsman, with a total staff of 30 people planned. The Office is still in the process of being set up and staff are being recruited. It is, therefore, not yet fully operational.

Subsections

• Civil and political rights
• Economic, social and cultural rights
• Minority rights and the protection of minorities