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Ombudswoman of the Republic of Croatia: Ensuring Equality in the Access to Health Insurance
In June, the Ombudswoman of the Republic of Croatia, Tena Šimonović Einwalter, submitted a constitutional review of certain provisions of the amendments to the Mandatory Health Insurance Act to the Constitutional Court. According to such provisions, some citizens are required to personally visit the Croatian Institute for Health Insurance every three months to maintain their health insurance coverage. The law does not specify any exceptions, for instance, people with mobility issues, undergoing treatment in healthcare facilities or living in areas without public transportation. These people risk being discriminated against based on disability, health condition, and financial status.
Ombudsperson Institution (Kosovo): Annual Report
The Ombudsperson institution recently published its 2022 annual report, which describes the situation of human rights in Kosovo and the activities carried out by the Ombudsperson to protect and promote human rights throughout the year. The Report also contains recommendations, opinions, and proposals for undertaking measures to enhance the respect of human rights.
Public Defender of Rights (Czech Republic): Defending the Rights of Children with Disabilities in Education
The Czech Ombursperson submitted a comment to the European Court of Human Rights in relation to the Souchopovi v. the Czech Republic case, which concerns discrimination in education for children with disabilities. In particular, the Czech Republic was called before the Court for the (non)provision of support measures for children with disabilities, specifically children with an autism spectrum disorder.
Unia (Belgium): Amendments to the Belgian Legislation Recognise Multiple and Intersectional Discrimination
In June, the Belgian Federal Parliament passed a law that expands anti-discrimination legislation by recognizing multiple and intersectional discrimination and introducing more favourable measures regarding compensation for discriminatory treatment. Unia welcomes these changes that improve the Belgian legislative framework to reduce discrimination.
Commission for Prevention and Protection from Discrimination (North Macedonia): Opinion on discrimination against the Romani community
The Commission has recently delivered an opinion on a petition undertaken by the European Roma Rights Centre (ERRC) on behalf of the Romani community in the country. The Commission ruled that the Ministry of Interiors' policies on identification constitute indirect discrimination on the basis of property status and ethnicity. According to such policies, Romani individuals living in informal settlements and thus lacking a registered address, do not have access to basic services such as identification cards, and social protections. The Commission has given a strict deadline of maximum three months to initiate changes in the law that would facilitate access to identification cards for people who do not own property or have lease agreements.
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EUROPE