Human rights in the Czech Republic

Last updated

Human Rights in the Czech Republic are generally regarded as adequate, with some lingering issues. In recent years, the Czech Republic has made significant strides in upholding and protecting the human rights of individuals. As a member state of international organizations such as the United Nations (UN) and the European Union (EU), it is a signatory to several treaties that require the state to guarantee human rights. Despite this, there are still lingering human rights issues, which include violence against women and discrimination against vulnerable groups such as the Roma people and members of the LGBTQI community. [1]

Contents

Background

The Czech constitution was adopted in 1993 after the country’s split with Slovakia. It is the fundamental framework that guarantees freedom and human rights in the Czech Republic. These include freedom of expression, assembly, and association. The constitution is, particularly, explicit in its prohibition of discrimination through the Czech Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedom, a section of the charter that defines the concept of equality. Discrimination based on gender is prohibited in Article 3(1), which guarantees the rights and liberties of everyone regardless of sex. Adherence to equality is also part of the Czech accession to the European Union. [2] By 2010, the country has maintained a high profile in the UN Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review. [1]

Discrimination

Roma

The Czech Republic has a history of discrimination against the Roma people. From 1993 to 2017, it pursued a policy of segregation of Roma children in Czech schools, particularly those with mild mental disabilities. During this period, it was reported that the country has violated the international norm of racial equality of this minority group in a technically legal fashion. Here, subtle legal practices that undermine human rights and equality are perpetrated. [3]

After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Czech Republic registered the third-highest number of Ukrainian refugees in the European Union. By October 2022, this number reached 453,725 and was still increasing. [4] Among the refugees were those who belong to the Roma ethnic group. According to Amnesty International, hundreds of these were subjected to discrimination, including discriminatory pronouncements made by the office of the Public Defender of Rights. [4] It is claimed that they were made to wait longer than others. There were also reports of Romas being denied help for several weeks, segregated from other refugees, and forced to live in substandard conditions. [5]

Women and children

The Czech legal framework guarantees women’s rights, which include the freedom to engage in the political process. It was found, however, that women’s involvement in elected bodies remains low when compared to men’s. [6] Experts cited by the United Nations noted that structural patterns within the Czech society not only determined women’s status but may also impede it. [7]

Violence against Czech women also remains an important human rights issue. In 2021, the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) reported that 44% of women experienced harassment in the past five years and about 25% of those who reported physical or sexual assault experienced it at home. [8] The U.S. State Department cited that there are observers who reported that some Roma women have faced obstructions when accessing healthcare and reproductive healthcare. [6]

It is also noted that the majority of the Ukrainian refugees are women and children, constituting 47% and 33% of the refugee population, respectively. [4] Through an EU policy, the Czech Republic has committed to the extension of the temporary protection status until the refugees return to Ukraine. Although the majority of the Czech population supports hosting the refugees, this protection status entailed reduced financial aid. [9] The UNHR also noted that, like in other cases of refugee experience, women fleeing to the Czech Republic tend to be more at risk of difficulties such as exploitation and abuse. [10]

Violation of children’s rights in the Czech Republic was highlighted in 2017 when the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) lodged a complaint against the state before the Council of European Committee of Social Rights. The complaint cited that the Czech Republic was violating the rights of children under 15, who faced proceedings in the child justice system. [11] The committee found that the Czech Republic violated children’s rights due to its failure to provide child protection under Article 17 of the European Social Charter of 1961. [11]

LGBTQ

Non-governmental organizations have reported incidences of harassment and homophobia in the Czech Republic. By 2022, there was an uptick in reported cases of hate crimes, which included verbal and physical attacks. [6] In August of the same year, the Prague Pride march was disrupted by an anonymous bomb threat. [6] Demonstrators chanting homophobic slogans also disrupted the Prague Pride parade the year after.

State abuses

In 2021, an ombudswoman investigating the death of a Roma man found that security forces committed several violations in the treatment of victim, including delayed responses that could have provided appropriate medical care. [6] A report by the U.S. State Department in the same year noted that there are no reported cases of torture and forced disappearances in the Czech Republic. [6] Impunity is also not a significant problem for the country.

Challenges in the bureaucracy that affect human rights include corruption. For instance, Ivan Elischer, a judge of the High Court in Prague was found guilty of accepting bribes in exchange for reduced sentences in drug trials and increased punishments out of revenge. [6] Other issues include the unauthorized use of government databases to search for derogatory information as well as the leaking of information in exchange of payments. [6]

Related Research Articles

Contributing to the establishment of human rights system in Africa are the United Nations, international law and the African Union which have positively influenced the betterment the human rights situation in the continent. However, extensive human rights abuses still occur in many sections of the continent. Most of the violations can be attributed to political instability, racial discrimination, corruption, post-colonialism, economic scarcity, ignorance, illness, religious bigotry, debt and bad financial management, monopoly of power, lack/absence of judicial and press autonomy, and border conflicts. Many of the provisions contained in regional, national, continental, and global agreements remained unaccomplished.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">European Institute for Gender Equality</span> EU-initiated body based in Lithuania

The European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) is a European Union-initiated body dedicated exclusively to gender equality. In accordance to Regulation (EC) the institute was founded on 20 December 2006. The staff of the institute was recruited in 2007 at the European coordinating body in Vilnius. Since the beginning, the institution has difficulties to balance the democratic deficit, in the context of the issue of equality between women and men. From the very beginning equality is one of the principles of the EU. Nevertheless, there is an existing gender gap in the levels of participation, payment and benefits of women in comparison to men in the EU.

Human rights in Croatia are defined by the Constitution of Croatia, chapter three, sections 14 through 69.

Human rights in Serbia are a product that reflect the country’s social norms, local political processes, state and legal history, and foreign relations with parties such as the European Union. Like human rights more generally, these rights are protected through the ongoing incorporation of global norms into legal systems and enforcement of the law, with the goal of holding duty-bearers accountable for their enactment and redress for victims of their violation. Recent reports by Human Rights Watch note persistent flaws with systemic exclusion of the Roma minority population, harassment of the press and faulty protection of asylum seekers.

Human rights in Cyprus are protected by the constitution of the Republic of Cyprus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Human rights in Austria</span>

Human rights in Austria are generally respected by the government; however, there were problems in some areas. There were some reports of police abuse and use of unjustified force against prisoners. Antisemitic incidents, including physical attacks, name-calling, property damage, and threatening letters, telephone calls, and Internet postings occurred during the year. There was some governmental and societal discrimination against fathers, Muslims and members of unrecognized religious groups, particularly those considered "sects". There were incidents of neo-Nazi activity, rightwing extremism, and xenophobia. Trafficking in women and children for prostitution and labor also remained a problem.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Human rights in Liechtenstein</span>

Liechtenstein, a multiparty constitutional monarchy with a unicameral parliament and a government chosen by the reigning prince at its direction, is a prosperous and free country that is generally considered to have an excellent human-rights record.

There are several social issues in Armenia including poverty, high unemployment rates, corruption, and inadequate public services.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Human rights in Benin</span>

The human-rights situation in Benin is considered to be generally above average for sub-Saharan Africa.

Iceland is generally considered to be one of the leading countries in the world in regard to the human rights enjoyed by its citizens. Human rights are guaranteed by Sections VI and VII of Iceland's Constitution. Since 1989, a post of Ombudsman exists. Elections are free and fair, security forces report to civilian authorities, there is no state violence, and human rights groups are allowed to operate without restriction. Religious freedom is guaranteed, and discrimination based on sexual orientation is illegal.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Human rights in Belgium</span>

According to international observers, human rights in Belgium are generally respected and the law and the judiciary provides effective means of addressing individual instances of abuse. However, some concerns have been reported by international human rights officials over the treatment of asylum seekers, prison overcrowding and the banning of full face veils. Capital punishment is fully abolished and a prohibition on the death penalty is included in the Constitution of Belgium. Belgium was a founding member of the European Union and the Council of Europe and a signatory to the European Convention on Human Rights. Belgium has minimal issues regarding corruption and was ranked 15 out of 167 countries surveyed in Transparency International's 2015 Corruption Perceptions Index.

The Republic of Uruguay is located in South America, between Argentina, Brazil and the South Atlantic Ocean, with a population of 3,332,972. Uruguay gained independence and sovereignty from Spain in 1828 and has full control over its internal and external affairs. From 1973 to 1985 Uruguay was governed by a civil-military dictatorship which committed numerous human rights abuses.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Human rights in Sweden</span>

Human rights in Sweden are largely protected in the country's constitution and ratified international law. The three Constitutional acts concerning human rights are Chapter 2 of the Instrument of Government, Regeringsformen, the Freedom of the Press Act, Tryckfrihetsförordningen (1949) and Fundamental Law on Freedom of Expression, Yttrandefrihetsgrundlagen (1991). Additionally, the European Convention on Human Rights has been incorporated into Swedish domestic law since 1995.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Human rights in Italy</span>

Basic human rights in Italy includes freedom of belief and faith, the right of asylum from undemocratic countries, the right to work, and the right of dignity and equality before the law. Human rights are the basic rights of every citizen in every country. In Italy, human rights have developed over many years and Italy has education on human rights. In addition, Italy has specific human rights for women, children and LGBT people.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Human rights in Denmark</span>

Human rights in the Kingdom of Denmark are protected by the state's Constitution of the Realm (Danmarks Riges Grundlov); applying equally in Denmark proper, Greenland and the Faroe Islands, and through the ratification of international human rights treaties. Denmark has held a significant role in the adoption of both the European Convention on Human Rights and in the establishment of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). In 1987, the Kingdom Parliament (Folketinget) established a national human rights institution, the Danish Centre of Human Rights, now the Danish Institute for Human Rights.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Human rights in Lithuania</span>

Human rights in Lithuania have been the subject of much coverage. Lithuania scores 91 out of 100 in 2019 report by Freedom House, which classifies the country as "free", with high rankings in civil liberties and political rights. In particular, Lithuania ranks 30th among 180 countries, well above the world's average level in press freedom, and achieves a full score in freedom of assembly and nongovernmental organisations. However, there are concerns regarding children's welfare, domestic violence, discrimination against minorities including the Roma, Jews and LGBTI people, as well as poor treatment of prisoners. The Constitution of Lithuania guarantees the protection of human rights.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Human rights in Portugal</span>

Portugal is generally considered as successful in upholding the civil liberties and protecting the human rights of its citizens. Portugal has proved to be determined in promoting and respecting human rights at an international and national level. The country's minister of Justice as of September 2018, Francisca Van Dunem, said that Portugal has had "a good track record" on human rights but violations still do persist.

Human rights in Norway protect the fundamental rights of all persons within the Kingdom of Norway. These rights are safeguarded by Chapter E of the Constitution of Norway or Kongeriket Norges Grunnlov, as well as the ratification of various international treaties facilitated by the United Nations. The country maintains a dedicated commitment to human rights and was the second country to ratify the European Convention on Human Rights.

The human rights record of Bosnia and Herzegovina has been criticised over a number of years by intergovernmental organisations including the United Nations Human Rights Council, the European Court of Human Rights and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, as well as international and domestic non-governmental organisations such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International. The government of Bosnia and Herzegovina has been criticised for ethnic and religious discrimination in its treatment of ethnic and religious minorities such as the Romani people and the Jewish people. The government has also been criticised for its treatment of Internally Displaced Persons following the Bosnian War and its failure to provide asylum seekers with resources such as food, shelter and medical assistance. According to BH Novinari, the Bosnian Journalists’ Association, freedom of the media is an issue in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with journalists facing attacks, threats and pressure from government. Human rights non-government organisations have also reported interference in their work from the government. The Bosnian government has been criticised by the European Union for its slow response to domestically prosecute war crimes from the Bosnian War following the closure of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia in December 2017.

Human rights in Hungary are governed by the Constitution of Hungary, laws passed by the National Assembly, and oversight of international organizations such as the Council of Europe. Human rights groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have raised concern for the status of human rights in Hungary under the rule of Viktor Orbán and the Fidesz party since 2010.

References

  1. 1 2 “Report on the Foreign Policy of the Czech Republic 2010”. Ministerstvo zahraničních věcí České republiky. p. 136
  2. ↑ "Gender Mainstreaming Approach - Czech Republic". eige.europa.eu. 2024-03-08.https://eige.europa.eu/gender-mainstreaming/countries/czechia?language_content_entity=en
  3. ↑ Buzas, Zoltan (2021). Evading International Norms: Race and Rights in the Shadow of Legality. University of Pennsylvania Press. p. 6. ISBN: 978-0-8122-5269-9
  4. 1 2 3 "Human rights in Czech Republic". Amnesty International. https://www.amnesty.org/en/location/europe-and-central-asia/czech-republic/report-czech-republic/
  5. ↑ Blum, Mollie and Fellow, Max Kampelman (2023). “Ukrainian Roma Refugees Face Discrimination Throughout Europe”. Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe. https://www.csce.gov/articles/ukrainian-roma-refugees-face-discrimination-throughout-europe-2/#:~:text=Often%20Roma%20were%20segregated%20from,the%20protection%20of%20their%20culture.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Czech Republic". United States Department of State.
  7. ↑ “Women’s Anti-Discrimination Committee Begins Consideration of Czech Republic’s Initial Report”. United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner. 1998.https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2009/10/womens-anti-discrimination-committee-begins-consideration-czech-republics
  8. ↑ “Violence in Czechia in 2021”. EIGE. 2021. https://eige.europa.eu/gender-equality-index/2021/domain/violence/CZ
  9. ↑ Zachova, Aneta 2023. “Czechia cuts benefits for Ukrainian refugees, saves money.” Euractiv.cz. https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/czechia-cuts-benefits-for-ukrainian-refugees-saves-money/
  10. ↑ “CoE/UNHCR roundtable in the Czech Republic: Effective protection of migrants and refugees in a vulnerable situation, including women and children fleeing Ukraine”. Council of Europe. 2023.
  11. 1 2 “Czech Republic: ICJ and Forum for Human Rights celebrate landmark European Committee decision upholding procedural rights for children”. ICJ. 2021.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.