Discriminatory digital policies that marginalise Roma communities

By Thomas Vink, 6th December 2021

The Center for Civil and Human Rights are taking litigation to challenge the disparate impact felt by some groups in Slovakia, in particular the Romani minority, due to unequal access to digital technologies. The Center will initiate court proceedings to draw attention to discrimination in this area.

Existing inequalities in this area have been increasingly discussed in Slovak society, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For instance, during the pandemic it was found that Roma children were disadvantaged by a move to online distance learning, while Roma communities and the elderly were disadvantaged by the lack of non-digital alternatives to register for the COVID-19 vaccination.

Discriminatory digital policies that marginalise Roma communities

Organisation Name

Poradňa pre občianske a ľudské práva – Center for Civil and Human Rights

Country/Jurisdiction

Slovakia

Amount Granted

EUR 12,011

Current Status

Ongoing

Grant type

Litigation Track Support

Description

The Center for Civil and Human Rights are taking litigation to challenge the disparate impact felt by some groups in Slovakia, in particular the Romani minority, due to unequal access to digital technologies. The Center will initiate court proceedings to draw attention to discrimination in this area.

Existing inequalities in this area have been increasingly discussed in Slovak society, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For instance, during the pandemic it was found that Roma children were disadvantaged by a move to online distance learning, while Roma communities and the elderly were disadvantaged by the lack of non-digital alternatives to register for the COVID-19 vaccination.

"during the pandemic it was found that Roma children were disadvantaged by a move to online distance learning, while Roma communities and the elderly were disadvantaged by the lack of non-digital alternatives"

Strategic Goal

    • Highlight discrimination against Romani communities caused unequal access to digital technologies.
    • Raise awareness of the importance of universal access to the Internet and digital technologies in the national media and broader public.
    • Set an important precedent for digital rights in Slovakia.

Organisation Name

Women’s Link Worldwide

Image credit: Mat Napo on Unsplash