Mr. President,
Albania welcomes the delegation of Slovakia and thanks it for the presentation of its report.
We welcome the ratification by Slovakia of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
We also welcome Slovakia’s adoption, in January 2022, of the National Action Plan for the prevention and elimination of violence against women 2022-2027, and we expect concrete results from this Plan.
We recognize the progress made on the protection of children, in particular through the adoption, in November 2023, of the National Strategy for the protection of children against violence (2023-2029).
For our country, the safety of journalists and freedom of expression is very important. In this context, the creation of a mechanism for monitoring threats against journalists, as well as the Platform for Press Freedom and the Protection of Journalists are to be welcomed.
We encourage the Slovak authorities to increase efforts to ensure better participation and protection of rights defenders and civil society in processes related to the promotion and protection of human rights.
Finally, we welcome Slovakia’s efforts to address minority issues, particularly regarding the issue of Roma integration.
In a constructive spirit, Albania recommends:
- Adopt legislative measures aimed at increasing the safety of journalists and media freedom, including the abolition of the offense of defamation;
- Support civil society organizations institutionally and financially.
Thank you.
