Universal Periodic Review 32: Slovakia
The UK welcomed Slovakia’s dedication to combating modern slavery and human trafficking, but urged greater protection for journalists following the death of Jan Kuciak in 2018.
Thank you Mr Vice-President,
The UK welcomes Slovakia’s completion of its national report and its constructive engagement with the UPR. Slovakia’s 2015 National Strategy for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights demonstrates their commitment to strengthen and protect human rights.
We are particularly encouraged by Slovakia’s dedication, and our bilateral cooperation, to combat modern slavery and human trafficking. We note that improvements are still required on rights of Roma individuals, tackling corruption, police governance reforms, and enhancing the effectiveness of the judicial system, but we note Slovakia’s commitment to address these areas.
In 2018, journalist Jan Kuciak, and his fiancée, were murdered in Slovakia. We urge that the Government address the issues of media freedom and the protection of journalists.
We recommend:
1) To enhance efforts to support and reintegrate victims of modern slavery in its most vulnerable communities in order to reduce the risk of re-trafficking.
2) To adopt an open, merit-based selection process when selecting national candidates for UN Treaty Body elections.
3) To ensure that public broadcasters remain free of political pressure and journalists are protected, including by prompt and effective investigations into concerns about their safety.
Thank you Mr Vice-President.