In a letter addressed to the Slovak Parliament, Commissioner O’Flaherty asks parliamentarians to refrain from adopting a draft law on non-profit organisations or any amendments which are not fully in compliance with the European Convention on Human Rights.
Following a letter about the draft law in May 2024, today’s letter addresses additional concerns about proposals to amend it. These relate mainly to the foreseeability of the law and the necessity of restrictions in a democratic society, which are required by the Convention.
The Commissioner notes that the adoption of a law that fails to meet human rights standards would add to the disconcerting pressure on civil society, which he already highlighted following his visit in July 2024. He adds that such a step would “send a worrying signal about the health of the rule of law and democracy in the Slovak Republic.”
In view of a backlash against the Slovak National Centre for Human Rights because of its engagement with the draft law, the Commissioner also encourages parliamentarians to speak out in defence of the Centre’s independence and to acknowledge the clear legitimacy of its engagement with this legislation.