Human Rights

Universal periodic review – Slovakia

Questions/Recommendations from New Zealand, Friday 13 May 2009

 

New Zealand welcomes the delegation of Slovakia to the Human Rights Council. We value this opportunity to engage with Slovakia on its human rights situation, particularly during its term as a Council member.

New Zealand recognises the achievements made by Slovakia to establish democracy and to improve its human rights situation. Slovakia’s own national report identifies that challenges remain in fully realising the rights of every member of society, particularly those of the Roma community.

New Zealand welcomes the transparent manner in which Slovakia has included some of the views of NGOs as part of its national report.

• How will these NGOs be included in the follow-up to UPR?

• New Zealand recommends that the Government of Slovakia commits to raising awareness of the UPR recommendations, and to include interested NGOs in discussions on how to best implement the recommendations received.

New Zealand commends the Government of Slovakia for adopting a National Action Plan for Children, as promised in its Human Rights Council campaign pledge.

• What steps are being taken to ensure the rights and specials needs of children are being met in the justice system, in particular to ensure that juvenile justice standards are fully respected?

• New Zealand recommends that the Government of Slovakia strengthen its efforts to ensure that juvenile justice standards are fully implemented, in particular that:

1. children are detained only as a last resort and for as short a time as possible;
2. children’s rights are not violated while in detention;
3. programmes are in place to train specialised judges, and other professionals involved in the juvenile justice system.

New Zealand is concerned about the de facto segregation of Roma children from the mainstream education system due to their placement in special schools for children with disabilities.

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