European Economic
and Social Committee
EESC FRRL Group Statement on the Protection of Human Rights in the Czech Republic
The EESC Fundamental Rights and Rule of Law (FRRL) Group expresses concern regarding recent developments in the Czech Republic following the decision of 18 May 2026 to abolish the Department for Human Rights and the Protection of Minorities at the Office of the Government.
According to information available, this Department has, for over twenty years, ensured cross-sectoral oversight of human rights policies and supported cooperation between public authorities and civil society.
The FRRL Group is concerned about the potential negative impact of this decision on the protection of human rights and on cooperation with civil society. Removing a dedicated, independent structure risks weakening the coordination and promotion of human rights policies at national level.
The FRRL Group therefore calls on the Government of the Czech Republic to ensure continued cross-sectoral institutional support and oversight in the field of human rights, as well as effective cooperation with civil society actors.
It reaffirms the essential role of independent human rights bodies and participatory mechanisms in safeguarding democratic values, the rule of law and the protection of vulnerable groups.
The FRRL Group also recalls that the existence of independent, dedicated human rights structures at governmental level is closely linked to the Copenhagen criteria, which require Member States to maintain stable institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, and human rights. The abolition of such a structure risks sending a negative signal with regard to the EU's annual rule of law monitoring process, as reflected in the European Commission's Rule of Law Reports. The Group further invites the Czech authorities to take into account the relevant recommendations issued under the UN Universal Periodic Review mechanism regarding the institutional framework for human rights protection.
The FRRL Group visited the Czech Republic on 5-6 May 2026 and will issue a report in the coming weeks reflecting the views of the Czech civil society as well as the observations by the Czech authorities.
The EESC Fundamental Rights and Rule of Law Group
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