Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 18th Session
Universal Periodic Review of the Slovak Republic
Statement by Australia
3 February 2014
Australia welcomes the progress the Slovak Government has made in regard to the rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex (LGBTI) people, including through its establishment of a new Committee for the rights of LGBTI people within its Council for Human Rights. Australia recommends the Slovak Republic continue to support the rights of the LGBTI community through its human rights framework.
Australia acknowledges the Slovak Republic’s adoption of the 2012 National Strategy for the Integration of Roma, but we remain concerned about continued societal exclusion of, and violence against, the Roma minority. Australia recommends the Slovak Republic make all necessary efforts to address discrimination against Roma – including in employment, education, health care, housing, and loan practices.
Australia notes concerns expressed in the Slovak media with regard to corruption and inefficiency in the judiciary. We were pleased with Prime Minister Fico’s 11 January 2014 announcement regarding the establishment of a special taskforce to reform the judiciary and that Slovak law also expressly provides for an independent judiciary. Australia recommends that the Slovak Republic continue take all necessary steps to combat corruption, ensure judicial independence and promote a fair and transparent legal system for all Slovak citizens