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Summary for: Czechia and human rights: What’s improving and what’s worseningA new report by Amnesty International highlights a “troubling trend” of eroding human rights in the Czech Republic, pointing to rising xenophobic attacks against Ukrainian refugees and ongoing segregation of Roma children in education.
The annual human rights assessment says that while the Czech Republic has made some legislative progress, deep inequalities persist.
Lucie Laštíková head of Amnesty International’s Czech branch, warned the situation reflects a broader global erosion of human rights, equality, and the rule of law.
“Here, too, we see troubling developments, ranging from growing xenophobia toward refugees to persistent inequalities in education and insufficient recognition of the rights of same-sex couples,” she said. Same-sex couples in Czechia still cannot marry or fully access parental rights.
Laštíková argued that if the state fails to protect rights at home, it cannot effectively defend them on the global stage.
Physical violence toward refugees
The report cites incidents of physical violence, including an attack on a Ukrainian family by a Prague tram driver. It also notes that while employment among refugees remains relatively high, around 50 percent of Ukrainian households in Czechia live below the income poverty line.
Amnesty further claims misinformation about Ukrainians has been deliberately spread by some politicians.
Another key concern is the continued segregation of Roma children, with researchers identifying more than 130 segregated schools. Although the government has introduced measures to address the issue, Amnesty says progress remains too slow.
Some positives, but civil liberties concerns
Despite these concerns, the report also highlights some legislative advances, including the creation of a children’s ombudsman, a ban on corporal punishment, a new consent-based definition of rape, and extended compensation deadlines for Roma women affected by unlawful sterilisation.
Czech government officials argue Czechia remains a stable democracy, with recent legal reforms showing continued progress rather than systemic decline.
However, the report raises concerns over civil liberties, including political pressure on NGOs and proposals to restrict funding for organizations receiving foreign support. It also criticises Czechia’s environmental policies and its continued promotion of fossil fuels.
On foreign policy, Amnesty questions Czech military exports to Israel, citing concerns over international law obligations.
The report comes as Czechia continues to navigate debates over migration, equality, and civil liberties within the EU framework.
