CAT/C/CZE/CO/4-5
10.
The Committee is concerned at the continued policy of obliging certain categories of
detainees to pay up to 32 per cent of the costs of their incarceration.(art. 2 and 11).
The Committee recommends that the State party put an immediate end to the policy
of obliging certain categories of detainees to pay for their incarceration.
Treatment of the Roma minority
11.
The Committee is seriously concerned about reports concerning the continued
marginalization of and discrimination against the members of the Roma minority. This has
included some incidents in the recent past of three deaths, anti-Roma rallies as well as arson
attacks against Roma homes. The Committee is also concerned about the lack of prompt,
impartial and effective investigations and prosecutions regarding such incidents (arts. 2, 12,
13 and 16).
The State party should:
(a)
Ensure the protection of Roma citizens and their property through
enhanced monitoring and preventive measures. All acts of anti-Roma violence and
discrimination should be thoroughly and effectively investigated, the perpetrators
brought to justice and redress and compensation provided to the victims. Law
enforcement officials should receive training on combating crimes against minorities
and members of the Roma community should be recruited into the police force. The
Committee recommends that statistics be compiled regarding crimes with an
extremist overtone, and on the outcomes of investigations, prosecutions and remedial
measures taken in relation to such crimes;
(b)
Publicly condemn verbal and physical attacks against Roma, prohibit
and prevent the advocacy of hate speech and organize awareness-raising and
information campaigns promoting tolerance and respect for diversity. The Act on
Equal Treatment and Legal Means of Protection against Discrimination (the Antidiscrimination Act) should be translated into the Roma language.
12.
The Committee is concerned about reports of sterilization of Roma women without
free and informed consent, the destruction of medical records on involuntary sterilizations
and the difficulties of victims to obtain redress. (arts. 2, 14 and 16)
The Committee recommends that the State party investigate promptly, impartially
and effectively all allegations of involuntary sterilization of Roma women, extend the
time limit for filing complaints, prosecute and punish the perpetrators and provide
victims with fair and adequate redress. Medical personnel conducting sterilizations
without free, full and informed consent could be held criminally liable and medical
records concerning possible involuntary sterilization should not be destroyed within
the time frame prescribed by law. Medical personnel should be trained on
appropriate means of how to obtain free and informed consent from women
undergoing sterilization and all written materials relating to sterilization should be
translated into the Roma language.
Redress and compensation, including rehabilitation
13.
The Committee is concerned about the absence of statistical data concerning
compensation to victims of torture and ill-treatment, including victims of involuntary
sterilization and surgical castration as well as ill-treatment in medical and psychiatric
settings, violent attacks against ethnic minorities, trafficking and domestic and sexual
violence. It is also concerned about the time limits set for filing complaints (arts. 14 and
16).
The Committee recommends that the State party ensure that victims of torture and
ill-treatment are entitled to and provided with redress and adequate compensation,
including rehabilitation, in conformity with article 14 of the Convention. It
4