President: the vulnerable often suffer human rights violations

Violations of human rights are not only a matter of statistics and figures; rather, they are actual human stories that, unfortunately, often affect the most vulnerable: children and seniors, Slovak President Andrej Kiska said after meeting with Ombudswoman Jana Dubovcová on Tuesday. Dubovcová presented the head of state with a list of measures that she has recommended which competent authorities should undertake in the area of protection of fundamental rights and freedoms during 2013 and 2014 but haven't yet been adopted. Dubovcová said that they are fundamental provisions related to the rights of children and the elderly. The president and the Ombudswoman also spoke about the absence of an independent body to investigate the actions of police or other public authorities that involve the use of coercive measures. "Given that the Ombudswoman does not have sufficient powers to enforce remedies for violations of human rights, it is important that he or she repeatedly point out to these violations via the president's office", she explained. "That is why I've availed myself of this opportunity on the occasion of the international Human Rights Day", she said. The UN Human Rights Day is today, December 10. Dubovcová reiterated that the list of measures included in the document is a response to long-term failures of the state in the safeguarding of human rights and to the state of affairs over the past 10-15 years. She added that she views the measures proposed as feasible. Commenting on support from the president, Dubovcová stated that the head of state has sufficient knowledge about the education of Roma children and the situation of the elderly in Slovakia. "He has the heart, mind, position, and may help in remedying it", said Dubovcová. The 22-page document, which the Ombudswoman and her office have drawn up in anticipation of her meeting with Kiska, includes measures related to the elimination of discrimination against Roma children of pre-school age, segregation of children in schools and an unequal access to educational opportunities resulting from the enrolment of Roma children in special schools and classes. Dubovcová also mentioned her findings about discrimination against Roma children when it comes to a psychological assessment before entering primary school. She believes this process fails to take account the cultural, social and linguistic barriers Roma children are faced with. Dubovcová also suggests measures concerning the availability and quality of social care services for the elderly. She's urging the drafting of long-term sustainable funding policies in the social services area and the adoption of national compulsory quality standards of social care services.