August 2006

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THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE SAYS THERE IS SCOPE FOR IMPROVEMENT OF LINGUISTIC RIGHTS IN SLOVAKIA

August 2006 - According to the resolution adopted by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on the implementation of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, the legislative framework of the Slovak Republic still contains shortcomings in the financing of minority cultures and instruction in minority languages and the personal scope of application of certain linguistic rights.

The resolution, though, positively recognizes the efforts made by the Ministry of Culture to increase the financial support to minorities and welcomes the legislative changes made on anti-discrimination issues such as the adoption of Act No. 365/2004 Coll. on equal treatment. In spite of this, it points out that the number of classes with instruction in the Roma language, for instance, remains too limited.

The Committee of Ministers recommends, therefore, to pursue the efforts to complete the legislative framework pertaining to national minorities, including in the fields of culture and education, and ensure that the content and interpretation of language-related laws are in line with these efforts. It also advises the Slovak authorities to create further opportunities to receive Roma language teaching.