Engaging with the authorities in a constructive way
The project’s advocacy activities include the development of
recommendations for state authorities, which focus on
implementing short- and long-term measures to eliminate
migration detention of children and families and to develop
migration and asylum policies and practices that are compatible
with international and European human rights frameworks. HRL
works with key state actors in a constructive and collaborative
manner that goes beyond mere criticism. As a result, the parliament
has amended its migration laws in an attempt to stem the use of
alternatives to detention and to improve conditions for families
with children.
Information and legal aid
As part of its Street Law sessions, HRL informs migrants and
asylum seekers who are at risk of detention of their rights and obli-
gations under national law and the services available to them. The
sessions also address the legal relationships between children and
parents and educate parents on their role as their children’s repre-
sentatives. HRL is also exploring the possibility of offering training
on family law, gender roles and the prevention of domestic violence
within detention centres. In addition, capacity-building activities
for legal professionals aim to increase the availability and improve
the quality of legal aid for children and families in detention.
Raising public awareness
One of the main challenges at the local level is a lack of public
awareness of migration detention and the situation of children in
detention facilities. HRL has developed an information campaign
using videos, social media and other digital material aiming to
inform and build alliances with the local community.
Sustainability of the project
Advocacy for policy reforms requires long-term commitment. Lack
of long-term funding may impede the sustainability of the advocacy
campaign and undermine the outcomes of the project as a whole.
Lack of political commitment
In the public discourse in Slovakia, migration is perceived as a
threat 4 . Negative opinions on migration affect the situation of
migrants and refugees in Slovakia, including children, and impede
efforts to safeguard the rights of refugee and migrant children. To
overcome these obstacles, HRL and its partners promote construc-
tive dialogue on this issue.
104