Slovakia

The Constitutional Court clarified some aspects of proving discrimination in civil proceedings, with particular focus on the requirements stemming from the concept of shift in burden of proof 

The National Council of the Slovak Republic elected the first Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities and the first Commissioner for Children. The commissioners are independent bodies supposed to protect and promote the rights of persons with disabilities and the rights of children, pursuant to the relevant UN treaties 

The Supreme Court of the Slovak Republic ruled there is, in relation to disability, right to inclusive education and reasonable accommodation. A refusal to provide reasonable accommodation is a form of discrimination 

On 21 May 2015, the Slovak Parliament adopted a new Civil Dispute Act. The Act will have impacts on proceedings concerning alleged violations of the principle of equal treatment. The Act will come into effect on 1 July 2016.

On 30 June 2015, the Slovak Parliament adopted an amendment to the Schools Act that contains various provisions allegedly aimed at de-segregation of Roma children in education. However, the content of the provisions adopted and the collisions with other provisions that still exist in the Slovak legal order generate confusions and show no real potential for de-segregation of Roma children.

On 24 March 2015, the Slovak ombudswoman presented her annual report to the Parliament, touching upon some aspects of discrimination of Roma children in education, and upon barriers the elderly face when wanting to access social services. The ombudswoman also reiterated her concerns connected to the underfunding of the ombudsperson’s office.