On March 11, 2022, at a meeting organized by the non-governmental organization eduRoma, together with representatives of state institutions and non-governmental organizations, we discussed a possible definition of segregation in our legal system. On behalf of our NGO, we emphasized at the meeting and in our written comments in particular that:

  • we do not question the possible contribution of a quality definition of segregation in education in legislation in terms of strengthening desegregation efforts in Slovak society and preventing segregation. However, from our point of view, based on our legal practice in conducting strategic litigation in this area, it is not so crucial;
  • We see as crucial the promotion and adoption of long-term measures, which would, among other things, lead to the creation of desegregation plans at various levels and their fulfillment, including targeted setting of school districts, support for children’s diversity in schools, mitigating residential segregation of Roma communities and massive support for schools, so that they can educate inclusive;
  • In our opinion, it would be legally appropriate if segregation was defined as one of the forms of discrimination directly in the anti-discrimination law, not only in the educational legislation, but also in other areas such as housing or healthcare;
  • It is essential that the definition of segregation in our legal system is based on international law and includes spontaneous segregation that arises and exists regardless of intention or targeted action by state institutions or schools or not.

We thank the organizers for the opportunity to present our professional view in this area. We believe that this, too, will contribute to the fact that the responsible state institutions will finally start adopting effective measures to eliminate the segregation of Roma children in schools.