Zverejňujeme plné znenie odpovedí na novinárske otázky redakcie PULS 24 v súvislosti so ľudskoprávnou situáciou rómskej národnostnej menšiny na Slovensku.

Is the situation in Luník IX improving, if so, why?

As the Ombudsperson, I have not received any individual complaints from residents of Luník IX, which limits my access to up-to-date information about the current situation there. Therefore, I am unable to comment on whether conditions are improving. For a more accurate and comprehensive assessment, I suggest contacting local authorities, community organizations, or the Plenipotentiary for Romani Communities, who are more directly engaged with developments in the area.

How do you think the situation in Slovakia is changing for Romani?

The situation for the Roma community in Slovakia has seen both advancements and ongoing challenges in recent years. Housing remains one of the concerns, directly impacting health, access to education, and employment. There are localities where the local government and the local Roma community cooperate well, and we can see natural progression. However, problems occur in municipalities where the local government is unwilling to cooperate and does not engage in community development or housing improvement.  Another ongoing problem connected to the housing issue is the infrequent implementation of land settlement. Unresolved property relations concerning the land on which Roma settlements are located hinder infrastructure development for municipalities, particularly in eastern Slovakia. This issue further complicates efforts to improve housing and develop communities. Addressing land settlement more effectively could significantly enhance the overall impact of housing improvement projects. In other areas, for instance, in education, the efforts to address educational segregation have intensified at the ministerial level, and I will be closely monitoring the current steps taken by the Ministry of Education aimed at desegregation efforts. About health care, for instance, reports are indicating persistent discrimination against Romani women in maternal healthcare settings, including segregation in maternity wards and inadequate access to quality care. 

How do you think the situation is changing in Europe for Romani overall?

As the Slovak Ombudsperson, my mandate focuses specifically on issues within Slovakia. However, I recognize that the Romani community is Europe’s most significant ethnic minority and continues to experience discrimination and social exclusion. I believe all European countries must work towards ensuring equal rights and opportunities for the Romani people. 

What do you see as the most urgent things that need to be done to improve the situation for Romani?

The most urgent steps to improve the situation for Romani communities in Slovakia must focus on breaking the cycle of generational poverty, which remains a persistent issue for many. Slovakia has one of the largest Roma populations in Europe, but it is essential to emphasize that not all Roma people live in marginalized settlements. Our priority should be to assist the most vulnerable groups, starting with ensuring access to decent housing. Evidence from successful initiatives shows that when housing conditions improve, other aspects of life—such as health, education, and employment—also tend to improve. This demonstrates that targeted interventions can create a positive ripple effect across the community.

Marginalized Roma communities often face more profound exclusion and significantly lower levels of participation in society. Inclusion strategies should be tailored to address their specific needs and circumstances to protect them from discrimination and enable their full participation. This includes tackling barriers related to housing, education, and employment.

Promoting greater tolerance and understanding within society is also crucial. One practical approach is highlighting positive examples of Romani individuals in the media, such as television programs showcasing successful Romani role models. Many Romani people desire greater visibility of these positive stories, as they help counteract stereotypes and foster a more inclusive environment.

While Romani people’s participation in political and public life has increased over the past decade, it still does not adequately reflect their demographic significance. Therefore, strengthening their representation and involvement in decision-making processes is also essential for ensuring that their voices are heard.

Are the EU-funds for the improvement of the situation of Romani being used in Slovakia / Luník?

As the Slovak Ombudsperson, I do not have direct competence in allocating or managing EU funds for Romani inclusion. Therefore, I will not comment on this question and instead suggest reaching out to the Plenipotentiary for Romani Communities or the relevant ministries, who are better equipped to provide detailed information on the matter.

If you don’t have access to this money – why not, how is it blocked, what should be done about it?

Please see the answer above.