The ombudsmen from the Vyšehrad Group (V4) countries will convene in Smolenice, near Trnava, to discuss the state and protection of human rights. This three-day summit, marking its 20th anniversary, begins on Wednesday.
Slovak Ombudsman Róbert Dobrovodský emphasized that al Public Defenders of Rights from the V4 countries will participate in the summit. "It is important that our mutual exchange of experiences goes beyond mere formalities; we must strive to promote best practices and practical insights in our countries to enhance human rights standards," he stated.
The agenda includes discussions on the human rights implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the goal of formulating recommendations to prevent violations of fundamental rights and freedoms in the event of renewed threats to public health.
Additionally, the ombudsmen will address current challenges and experiences related to the National Preventive Mechanism, including how it operates in facilities where individuals' freedoms are restricted, as well as human rights issues arising from migration flows. Gigac also noted that the summit will explore the legal framework governing relationships between landowners and the public sector, as well as second-generation human rights.
Source: TASR
