Separate & Unequal: School Segregation Persists for Roma in Slovakia

Despite years of international scrutiny, Roma children in Slovakia continue to face systemic segregation in education—an ongoing human rights violation that deprives them of equal opportunities and reinforces cycles of exclusion. Reports by Amnesty International and the European Roma Rights Centre reveal that, while Slovakia has introduced legislative changes in response to EU pressure—such as amendments to the School Act and desegregation standards—these measures remain insufficient. Many schools still exhibit stark inequalities, with Roma children experiencing higher dropout rates, lower test scores, and poor learning conditions, including under-resourced facilities and two-shift schooling systems that disproportionately affect Roma-only schools.

Projects like “Opportunity for All” signal a recognition of the problem but lack the scale and sustainability needed to produce lasting change. Alarmingly, certain policy measures risk reinforcing segregation under the appearance of reform. The report calls for comprehensive desegregation efforts that go beyond superficial compliance—demanding systemic legislative reforms, targeted funding, and strong accountability mechanisms. The European Union is urged to play a stronger role in enforcing anti-discrimination laws and supporting Slovakia in eliminating these deep-rooted educational barriers.

Read the report here: English | Slovak