Czech Helsinki Committee says state of human rights worsened in country in 2011

The state of human rights worsened in the Czech Republic in 2011, according to a report released on Friday by the Czech Helsinki Committee. The report cited government austerity measures impacting seniors, the unemployed and socially-weaker families as a factor. Also underlined are an apparent drop in the integration of Romany children at schools, a rise in the number of attacks against gays and lesbians, and overcrowding in prisons. The committee’s Anna Šabatová told the media that regarding austerity measures the worsening was not just in the cuts themselves but an apparent “disinterest” on the part of politicians. She stressed that, in her view, an “awakening” of civic society in the country was one of the few positive developments in 2011.

Author: Jan Velinger