In a poignant statement during his visit to Slovakia, Human Rights Commissioner Michael O’Flaherty highlighted that many marginalised Roma communities are ensnared in a relentless cycle of survival amidst dire living conditions, which exacerbate their isolation and stigma, ultimately impacting their fundamental human rights. He emphasised the urgent need for Slovak authorities to take significant action against the maltreatment of Roma by law enforcement, ensuring access to inclusive education for Romani children, and promptly addressing reports of abuse and discrimination faced by Romani women in healthcare settings.
The Commissioner’s recently published memorandum details the dire state of living conditions in some Roma settlements, particularly in Jarovnice and Luník IX, where homes are characterized as uninhabitable and lack essential amenities like water and electricity. Instances of fires are rampant as many families resort to using solid fuels for warmth and cooking. Unfortunately, these hazardous conditions have led to a significant number of burn injuries among Roma, further highlighting the health risks posed by overcrowding, inadequate sanitation, and proximity to environmental dangers such as waste dumps.
A persistent issue raised by the Commissioner involved police brutality against the Roma, underscored by pending judgments from the European Court of Human Rights regarding excessive police force and neglect in protecting individuals in custody. The need for independent oversight in these cases has been reinforced, as many Roma report discriminatory treatment and inaction from police when seeking assistance, stressing a need for trust-building measures between law enforcement and Roma communities.
There are troubling health inequalities affecting Roma communities, linked to systemic discrimination and segregation in healthcare access. During his visit, O’Flaherty met Roma women who detailed their experience of being placed in segregated hospital areas during childbirth and related health services. He acknowledged that while Roma Health Mediators play a vital role in preventing such abuses, the state must assume responsibility for combatting discrimination actively embedded in healthcare.
The Commissioner underscored the essential role of civil society in fostering positive change for Roma communities, highlighting that effective cooperation among stakeholders can disrupt the cycle of marginalisation faced by Roma. However, current governmental attitudes appear to undermine these efforts, with officials disparaging NGOs as ‘whining leeches’, fostering a hostile environment. This rift damages the social fabric and deepens societal tensions, making it critical for authorities to reconsider their approach towards civil initiatives and the organisations seeking to promote Roma rights.
During his visit to Slovakia, Human Rights Commissioner Michael O’Flaherty addressed severe issues faced by marginalised Roma communities, including poor living conditions, health inequities, and police brutality. He urged Slovak authorities to act against discrimination in law enforcement and healthcare while stressing the critical role of civil society in advocating for Roma rights. His recommendations call for immediate reforms to combat systemic flaws and promote social integration.
The visit of Commissioner Michael O’Flaherty reveals deep-rooted issues facing Roma communities in Slovakia, from deplorable living conditions and systemic discrimination in healthcare to the urgent need for police reform. His calls for Slovak authorities to take decisive action emphasize the importance of collaboration with civil society to drive change. Without an inclusive and supportive framework, these vulnerable communities will remain trapped in a cycle of impoverishment and prejudice.
Original Source: www.errc.org
