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
Thematic Area
Human rights standards in the use and design of technology
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.