On January 27, 2025, Slovakia’s new Minority Council held its first session with the expressed aim of strengthening representation by the country’s ethnic minorities and promoting minority rights. The event was symbolic as it coincided with International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the anniversary of the codification of the Rusyn language in Slovakia.

The creation of the council marks the fulfillment of a long-standing minority demand for the government to increase attention to the needs, opinions, and involvement of national minorities which make up more than 10 percent of the country’s population. The initiative, supported by the government, establishes a permanent, professional advisory and coordination body, chaired by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.

The council includes representatives from 14 nationalities:  Hungarian, Rusyn, Romanian, Ukrainian, Vietnamese, and other minorities, as well as government institutions, local government associations, and experts on minority issues. The goal is to enhance dialogue and the effective representation of minority rights in Slovakia.

In his speech, Prime Minister Fico emphasized that Slovakia would never forget the tragedy of the Holocaust and that the council’s work sends a clear message to future generations. He also highlighted the importance of the codification of the Rusyn language and welcomed the recent recognition of the Vietnamese minority, which the Vietnamese government lauded.

Fico expressed his commitment to rely on the expertise and experience of minority representatives. He also praised the actions of previous governments, such as the creation of the Minority Culture Support Fund and the improvement of Slovak-Hungarian relations. 

Ákos Horony, the Slovak government’s minority representative and vice-chairman of the council, emphasized that the creation of the council was a crucial step in effectively enforcing minority rights. He mentioned that even small steps could lead to significant changes and outlined ambitious goals, including the adoption of a law on minority rights by the end of 2026, which is already in preparation.

The council’s goal is to ensure that all minorities have their voices and interests represented in government work in the future.

Source: Felvidek.ma

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