Rights Groups Urge Slovak Authorities to Resolve Roma Housing Situation

15 December 2010

9 DECEMBER 2010, Budapest, Geneva, London: Today, the European Roma Rights Centre (ERRC), Amnesty International and the Centre on Housing Rights and Evictions (COHRE) sent a letter to Slovakian authorities, dismayed and concerned at the planned eviction of the Romani settlement in Plavecký Štvrtok and the endorsement of this action by senior government officials.

According to research undertaken by the rights groups, the Romani residents of the settlement in Plavecký Štvrtok were threatened with demolition of their homes in April 2010, without prior consultation or the offer of alternative accommodation or compensation. Although thee initial orders were deemed unfounded and withdrawn, the Mayor, Ivan Slezák, has repeatedly affirmed his intention to carry out the eviction and demolition, denying that he has any obligation to provide for the Romani residents.

According to the media, Slovak Minister of Interior Daniel Lipšic expressed his support for the demolition plans during a recent visit on 19 October 2010, framing the issue as one of local security. Minister Lipšic previously opined in the media that segregated Roma settlements constitute a “source of criminality” in Plavecký Štvrtok, an unsubstantiated claim.

For further information, contact:
Sinan Gokcen
ERRC Media and Communications Officer
sinan.gokcen@errc.org
+36.30.500.1324