Commission Report (2002): Czech Republic

Economic, social and cultural rights

The Council for Equal Opportunities started its work on 1 January 2002. It is chaired by a Member of Parliament, and is composed of 23 members, including deputy ministers, representatives from NGOs, experts and the Government Commissioner for Human Rights. Its task is to advise the Government on equal opportunities legislation, set priorities in the realisation of equal opportunities projects and co-ordinate officials in line ministries in charge of equal opportunities. The major legislative changes brought about by the amendment to the Labour Code, which entered into force in January 2001 -- introducing the principle of equal treatment for all employees and strengthening the ban on any form of discrimination -- have unfortunately so far gone largely unnoticed. More pro-active enforcement and awareness campaigns are needed.

According to statistical office data, in 2000 the average gross income of women was 70.1% of that of men. This indicates a deterioration of 3.1% from 1999. However, on a positive note, the newly elected 200-member Chamber of Deputies includes 34 women (17%), a slight increase over the previous Chamber (16%). Moreover, the new Cabinet includes two women while the previous Cabinet had none.

The amendment to the Act on Social and Legal Protection of Children came into force in January 2002. The Report on Human Rights situation of the Government Commissioner for Human Rights notes that the implementation of this law should be improved to ensure that there is effective monitoring of the placing of children in institutional care. Alternative solutions, such as different types of family care, need to be fully considered.

There have been calls to improve mental health care and the rights of the mentally disabled. Whilst significant improvements have been achieved, further reform is called for to develop community-based support services and to improve the quality of care in mental health institutions.

As regards trade union rights, the Czech-Moravian Confederation of Trade Unions (CMKOS), the major umbrella trade union organisation, continued to denounce obstructions to the right to unionise, particularly in large-scale retail chains owned by foreign firmsl. The Report on Human Rights of the Government Commissioner for Human Rights noted two breaches of trade union rights in firms that are part of multinational corporations.

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