ODIHR recognizes Slovakia's recent efforts in the areas of hate crime specialization in its police and prosecution, training police officers and prosecutors through ODIHR's TAHCLE and PAHCT programmes as well as in reporting on hate crimes to ODIHR regularly. However, based on the available information, it observes that the law enforcement agencies of Slovakia have not recorded the bias motivations behind hate crimes. In addition, ODIHR observes that Slovakia would benefit from developing its victim support system to ensure effective access to justice, assistance, and protection for hate crime victims.
ODIHR recalls that in the Ministerial Council Decision 9/09, participating States have committed to promptly investigating hate crimes and ensuring that the motives of those convicted of hate crimes are acknowledged. To that end, the law enforcement agencies must, first of all, record the bias motivations behind hate crimes. Furthermore, in the Ministerial Council Decisions 9/09 and 13/06, participating States have committed to providing hate crime victims with access to counselling and legal assistance, as well as effective access to justice; and to increasing the positive interaction between police and victims of hate crimes by training front-line officers, including the provision of referrals for victim assistance and protection. ODIHR stands ready to support Slovakia in meeting its relevant commitments through the provision of comprehensive resources and tailored assistance in the area of hate crime recording and data collection, as well as through providing further resources and assistance in the area of hate crime victim support.