Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
Concluding observations on the second periodic report of the Czech Republic *
The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights considered the second periodic report of the Czech Republic on the implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (E/C.12/CZE/2) at its 19th and 20th meetings (E/C.12/2014/SR.19 and 20), held on 9 May 2014, and adopted, at its 40th meeting (E/C.12/2014/SR.40), held on 23 May 2014, the following concluding observations.
A.Introduction
The Committee welcomes the submission of the second periodic report of the Czech Republic as well as the written replies to the list of issues (E/C.12/CZE/Q/2/Add.1) and the detailed statistical data contained therein. The Committee also welcomes the opportunity to engage with the State party’s high level and inter-ministerial delegation and expresses appreciation for the frank and constructive dialogue.
B.Positive aspects
The Committee welcomes the State party’s ratification of:
(a)The Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography, on 26 August 2013;
(b)The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, on 28 September 2009;
(c)The Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, on 10 July 2006;
(d)The Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights aimed at the abolition of the death penalty, on 15 June 2004.
The Committee welcomes the following legislative and policy measures taken by the State party:
(a)The adoption of the 2009 Criminal Code, which punishes racially motivated crimes;
(b)The adoption of measures to reform education and training so as to enable the acquisition of skills to meet the demands of the labour market;
(c)The increase in the minimum wage, in August 2013;
(d)The expansion of the capacity of the labour offices to implement the active employment policy;
(e)The adoption, in August 2013, of the first Concept on Prevention and Solution of Homelessness until 2020.
C.Principal subjects of concern and recommendations
Domestic application of the Covenant
Referring to the information provided by the State party on decisions made by the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Administrative Court and the Supreme Court on cases relating to economic, social and cultural rights, the Committee regrets that the State party did not specify which cases were based on the provisions of the Covenant. The Committee also regrets the lack of information on decisions adopted by lower courts and administrative instances that invoke the Covenant (art. 2, para. 1).
The Committee recommends that the State party provide in its next periodic report information on decisions taken by courts at all levels and by administrative instances that invok e the Covenant. The Committee also recomm