| SLOVAKIA Slovak Republic Slovenska Republika Joined United Nations: 19 January 1993 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Updated 18 September 2012 |
Chapter II Basic Rights and Freedoms
Part 1 General Provisions
Article 11 [Human Rights]
International treaties on human rights and basic liberties that were ratified by the Slovak Republic and promulgated in a manner determined
by law take precedence over its own laws, provided that they secure a greater extent of constitutional rights and liberties.
Article 12 [Equality]
(1) People are free and equal in dignity and their rights. Basic rights and liberties are inviolable, inalienable, secured by law, and
unchallengeable.
(2) Basic rights and liberties on the territory of the Slovak Republic are guaranteed to everyone regardless of sex, race, color of skin,
language, creed and religion, political or other beliefs, national or social origin, affiliation to a nation or ethnic group, property, descent, or
another status. No one must be harmed, preferred, or discriminated against on these grounds.
(3) Everyone has the right to freely decide on his nationality. Any influence on this decision and any form of pressure aimed at
assimilation are forbidden.
(4) No one must be restricted in his rights because he upholds his basic rights and liberties.
Article 13
(1) Duties can be imposed only on the basis of law, within its limits, and while complying with basic rights and liberties.
(2) Limits to basic rights and liberties can be set only by law, under conditions laid down in this Constitution.
(3) Legal restrictions of constitutional rights and liberties must apply equally to all cases that meet the set conditions.
(4) When restricting constitutional rights and liberties, attention must be paid to their essence and meaning. These restrictions must not be
used for any other than the set purpose.
Part 2 Basic Human Rights and Liberties
Article 14 [Eligibility to Rights]
Everyone is worthy of having rights.
Article 15 [Right to Life]
(1) Everyone has the right to life. Human life is worthy of protection even prior to birth.
(2) No one must be deprived of life.
(3) Capital punishment is not permitted.
(4) If someone was deprived of life as a result of an action that does not represent a criminal act, this does not constitute a violation of
rights according to this Article.
Article 16 [Personal Integrity]
(1) The inviolability of the person and its privacy is guaranteed. It can be limited only in cases defined by law.
(2) No one must be tortured or subjected to cruel, inhuman, or humiliating treatment or punishment.
Article 17 [Personal Liberty]
(1) Personal freedom is guaranteed.
(2) No one must be prosecuted or deprived of freedom other than for reasons and in a manner defined by law. No one must be deprived
of freedom solely because of his inability to comply with a contractual obligation.
(3) A person accused or suspected of a criminal act can be detained only in cases defined by law. The detained person must be
immediately informed of the reasons for the detainment, interrogated, and either released or brought before the court within 24 hours at
the latest. The judge must question the detainee within 24 hours of taking over the case and decide on his or her custody or release.
(4) An accused person may be arrested only on the basis of a written, substantiated court warrant. The arrested person must be brought
before the court within 24 hours. The judge must question the arrested person within 24 hours of taking over the case and decide on his
or her custody or release.
(5) A person can be taken into custody only for reasons and for a period defined by law and on the basis of a court ruling.
(6) The law will specify in which cases a person can be admitted to, or kept in, institutional health care without his or her consent. Such a
measure must be reported within 24 hours to the court, which will then decide on this placement within five days.
(7) The mental state of a person accused of criminal activity can be examined only on the basis of the court's written order.
Article 18 [Freedom of Work]
(1) No one must be subjected to forced labor or services.
(2) The provision of Section (1) does not apply to
a) work assigned according to the law to persons serving a prison term or some other punishment substituting for a prison term,
b) military service or some other service assigned by law in lieu of compulsory military service,
c) services required on the basis of the law in the event of natural catastrophes, accidents, or other dangers posing a threat to life, health,
or property of great value,
d) activities laid down by law to protect life, health, or the rights of others.
Article 19 [Right to Privacy]
(1) Everyone has the right to the preservation of his human dignity and personal honor, and the protection of his good name.
(2) Everyone has the right to protection against unwarranted interference in his private and family life.
(3) Everyone has the right to protection against the unwarranted collection, publication, or other illicit use of his personal data.
Article 20 [Property]
(1) Everyone has the right to own property. The ownership right of all owners has the same legal content and deserves the same
protection. Inheritance of property is guaranteed.
(2) The law will specify which property other than property listed in Article 4 that is essential to meet the needs of society, the
development of the national economy, and public interest can be owned only by the state, community, or designated juridical persons. The
law can also specify that certain property can be owned only by citizens or juridical persons resident in the Slovak Republic.
(3) Ownership is binding. It must not be misused to the detriment of others or at variance with general interests protected by law. By
exercising ownership, no harm must be done to human health, nature, cultural monuments, and the environment beyond limits set by law.
(4) Expropriation or enforced restriction of the ownership right is admissible only to the extent that it is unavoidable and in the public
interest, on the basis of law, and in return for adequate compensation.
Article 21 [Inviolability of the Home]
(1) A person's home is inviolable. It must not be entered without the resident's consent.
(2) A house search is admissible only in connection with criminal proceedings and only on the basis of the judge's written and
substantiated order. The method of carrying out a house search will be set out in a law.
(3) Other infringements upon the inviolability of one's home can be permitted by law only if this is inevitable in a democratic society in
order to protect people's lives, health, or property, to protect the rights and liberties of others, or to ward off a serious threat to public
order. If the home is used also for business or to perform some other economic activity, such infringements can be permitted by law also
when this is unavoidable in meeting the tasks of public administration.
Article 22 [Secrecy of Communication]
(1) The privacy of correspondence and secrecy of mailed messages and other written documents and the protection of personal data are
guaranteed.
(2) No one must violate the privacy of correspondence and the secrecy of other written documents and records, whether they are kept in
privacy or sent by mail or in another way, with the exception of cases to be set out in a law. Equally guaranteed is the secrecy of
messages conveyed by telephone, telegraph, or other similar means.
Article 23 [Freedom of Movement]
(1) Freedom of movement and of abode are guaranteed.
(2) Everyone who is rightfully staying on the territory of the Slovak Republic has the right to freely leave this territory.
(3) Freedoms according to Sections (1) and (2) can be restricted by law if it is unavoidable for the security of the state, to maintain public
order, protect the health and the rights and liberties of others, and, in designated areas, also for reasons of environmental protection.
(4) Every citizen has the right to freely enter the territory of the Slovak Republic. A citizen must not be forced to leave his homeland and
he must not be deported or extradited.
(5) A foreign national can be deported only in cases specified by law.
Article 24 [Freedom of Religion]
(1) The freedoms of thought, conscience, religion, and faith are guaranteed. This right also comprises the possibility to change one's
religious belief or faith. Everyone has the right to be without religious belief. Everyone has the right to publicly express his opinion.
(2) Everyone has the right to freely express his religion or faith on his own or together with others, privately or publicly, by means of
divine and religious services, by observing religious rites, or by participating in the teaching of religion.
(3) Churches and religious communities administer their own
affairs. In particular, they constitute their own bodies, inaugurate their clergymen, organize the teaching of religion, and establish religious
orders and other church institutions independently of state bodies.
(4) Conditions for exercising rights according to Sections (1)-(3) can be limited only by law, if such a measure is unavoidable in a
democratic society to protect public order, health, morality, or the rights and liberties of others.
Article 25
(1) The defense of the Slovak Republic is a matter of honor for each citizen.
(2) No one must be forced to perform military service if this runs counter to his conscience or religious belief. The details will be
specified in a law.
Part 3 Political Rights
Article 26 [Freedom of Expression]
(1) The freedom of speech and the right to information are guaranteed.
(2) Everyone has the right to express his views in word, writing, print, picture, or other means as well as the right to freely seek out,
receive, and spread ideas and information without regard for state borders. The issuing of press is not subject to licensing procedures.
Enterprise in the fields of radio and television may be pegged to the awarding of an authorization from the state. The conditions will be
specified by law.
(3) Censorship is banned.
(4) The freedom of speech and the right to seek out and spread information can be restricted by law if such a measure is unavoidable in a
democratic society to protect the rights and liberties of others, state security, public order, or public health and morality.
(5) State bodies and territorial self-administration bodies are under an obligation to provide information on their activities in an appropriate
manner and in the state language. The conditions and manner of execution will be specified by law.
Article 27 [Right to Petition]
(1) The right of petition is guaranteed. Everyone has the right, alone or with others, to address requests, proposals, and complaints to
state bodies and territorial self-administration bodies in matters of public or other common interest.
(2) A petition must not be used to call for the violation of basic rights and liberties.
(3) A petition must not interfere with the independence of a court.
Article 28 [Right to Assemble]
(1) The right to assemble peacefully is guaranteed.
(2) Conditions for exercising this right will be set out in a law in the event of assemblies in public places, if such a measure is unavoidable
in a democratic society to protect the rights and liberties of others, public order, health and morality, property, or the security of the state.
An assembly must not be made conditional on the issuance of an authorization by a state administration body.
Article 29 [Right to Associate]
(1) The right to freely associate is guaranteed. Everyone has the right to associate with others in clubs, societies, or other associations.
(2) Citizens have the right to establish political parties and political movements and to associate in them.
(3) The enactment of rights according to Sections (1) and (2) can be restricted only in cases specified by law, if this is unavoidable in a
democratic society for reasons of state security, to protect public order, to forestall criminal acts, or to protect the rights and liberties of
others.
(4) Political parties and political movements, as well as clubs, societies, and other associations are separated from the state.
Article 30 [Electoral Rights]
(1) Citizens have the right to participate in the administration of public affairs either directly or through the free election of their
representatives.
(2) Elections must be held within deadlines that do not exceed the regular electoral period as defined by law.
(3) The right to vote is universal, equal, and direct and is exercised by means of secret ballot. Conditions for exercising the right to vote
will be set out in a law.
(4) Citizens have access to elected and other public posts under equal conditions.
Article 31 [Political Equality and Competition]
The legal definition of all political rights and liberties and their interpretation and use must enable and protect the free competition of
political forces in a democratic society.
Article 32 [Right to Resistance]
Citizens have the right to put up resistance to anyone who would eliminate the democratic order of human rights and basic liberties listed
in this Constitution, if the activity of constitution-
al bodies and the effective use of legal means are rendered impossible.
Part 4 The Rights of National Minorities and Ethnic Groups
Article 33
Membership of any national minority or ethnic group must not be to anyone's detriment.
Article 34
(1) The comprehensive development of citizens representing national minorities or ethnic groups in the Slovak Republic is guaranteed,
particularly the right to develop their own culture, together with other members of the minority or ethnic group, the right to disseminate
and receive information in their mother tongue, the right to associate in national minority associations, and the right to set up and maintain
educational and cultural institutions. Details will be set out in a law.
(2) In addition to the right to master the state language, citizens belonging to national minorities or ethnic groups also have, under
conditions defined by law, a guaranteed
a) right to education in their own language,
b) right to use their language in dealings with the authorities,
c) right to participate in the solution of affairs concerning national minorities and ethnic groups.
(3) The enactment of the rights of citizens belonging to national minorities and ethnic groups that are guaranteed in this Constitution must
not be conducive to jeopardizing the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Slovak Republic or to discrimination against its other
inhabitants.
Part 5 Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights
Article 35
(1) Everyone has the right to a free choice of profession and to training for it, as well as the right to engage in entrepreneurial or other
gainful activity.
(2) Conditions and restrictions with regard to the execution of certain professions or activities can be specified by law.
(3) Citizens have the right to work. Citizens who are unable to exercise this right through no fault of their own are provided for materially
by the state to an appropriate extent. The conditions will be defined by law.
(4) A different regulation of rights listed under Sections (1)-(3) can be specified by law for foreign nationals.
Article 36
Employees have the right to equitable and adequate working conditions. The law guarantees, above all
a) the right to remuneration for work done, sufficient to ensure the employee's dignified standard of living,
b) protection against arbitrary dismissal and discrimination at the place of work,
c) labor safety and the protection of health at work,
d) the longest admissible working time,
e) adequate rest after work,
f) the shortest admissible period of paid leave,
g) the right to collective bargaining.
Article 37
(1) Everyone has the right to freely associate with others in order to protect his economic and social interests.
(2) Trade union organizations are established independently of the state. It is inadmissible to limit the number of trade union organizations,
in the same way as it is inadmissible to give some of them a preferential status, be it in an enterprise or a branch of the economy.
(3) The activity of trade union organizations and the founding and operation of other associations protecting economic and social interests
can be restricted by law if such a measure is unavoidable in a democratic society to protect the security of the state, public order, or the
rights and liberties of others.
(4) The right to strike is guaranteed. The conditions will be defined by law. This right does not extend to judges, prosecutors, members of
the armed forces and armed corps, and members of the fire brigades.
Article 38
(1) Women, minors, and persons with impaired health are entitled to an enhanced protection of their health at work as well as to special
working conditions.
(2) Minors and persons with impaired health are entitled to special protection in labor relations as well as to assistance in professional
training.
(3) Details concerning rights listed in Sections (1) and (2) will be set out in a law.
Article 39
(1) Citizens have the right to adequate material provision in old age, in the event of work disability, as well as after losing their provider.
(2) Everyone who is in material need is entitled to assistance necessary to ensure basic living conditions.
(3) Details concerning rights listed in Sections (1) and (2) will be set out in a law.
Article 40
Everyone has a right to the protection of his health. Based on public insurance, citizens have the right to free health care and to medical
supplies under conditions defined by law.
Article 41
(1) Marriage, parenthood, and the family are under the protection of the law. The special protection of children and minors is guaranteed.
(2) Special care, protection in labor relations, and adequate working conditions are guaranteed to women during the period of pregnancy.
(3) Children born in and out of wedlock enjoy equal rights.
(4) Child care and the upbringing of children are among the rights of parents; children have the right to parental care and upbringing.
Parents' rights can be restricted and minors can be separated from their parents against their will only by means of a court ruling based on
the law.
(5) Parents caring for children are entitled to assistance from the state.
(6) Details concerning rights listed in Sections (1)-(5) will be set out in a law.
Article 42
(1) Everyone has the right to education. School attendance is compulsory. Its period and age limit will be defined by law.
(2) Citizens have the right to free education at primary and secondary schools and, based on their abilities and society's resources, also at
higher educational establishments.
(3) Schools other than state schools may be established, and instruction in them provided, only under conditions defined by law. Such
schools may charge a tuition fee.
(4) A law will specify under which conditions citizens who are engaged in studies are entitled to assistance from the state.
Article 43
(1) Freedom of scientific research and in art are guaranteed. The rights to the results of creative intellectual activity are protected by law.
(2) The right of access to the cultural heritage is guaranteed under conditions defined by law.
Part 6 The Right to the Protection of the Environment and the Cultural Heritage
Article 44
(1) Everyone has the right to an auspicious environment.
(2) Everyone is obliged to protect and enhance the environment and the cultural heritage.
(3) No one must endanger or damage the environment, natural resources, and the cultural heritage beyond the extent established by law.
(4) The state looks after an economical use of natural resources, ecological balance, and effective environmental care.
Article 45
Everyone has the right to timely and complete information about the state of the environment and the causes and consequences of its
condition.
Part 7 The Right to Protection by the Court and Other Legal Protection
Article 46
(1) Everyone may claim by the established legal procedure his right to an independent and impartial court hearing and, in cases designated
by law, to another body of the Slovak Republic.
(2) Anyone who claims to have been deprived of his rights by a decision of a public administration body may appeal to the court for it to
reexamine the lawfulness of that decision, unless specified otherwise by law. The reexamination of decisions concerning basic rights and
liberties must not, however, be excluded from the court's authority.
(3) Everyone is entitled to compensation for damage incurred as a result of an unlawful decision by a court or another state or public
administration body, or as a result of an incorrect official procedure.
(4) Conditions and details concerning court and other legal protection will be set out in a law.
Article 47
(1) Everyone has the right to refuse to testify if, by doing so, he might expose himself or a person close to him to the risk of criminal
prosecution.
(2) Everyone has the right to legal assistance in court proceedings or proceedings before other state or public administration bodies. He
has this right from the very start of the proceedings, under conditions defined by law.
(3) All participants in proceedings according to Section (2) are equal.
(4) Anyone who declares that he does not have a command of the language in which the proceedings according to Section (2)
are conducted has the right to an interpreter.
Article 48
(1) No one must be removed from the jurisdiction of his law-assigned judge. The jurisdiction of the court is established by law.
(2) Everyone has the right to have his case tried in public, without needless procrastination, and in his presence and to deliver his opinion
on all pieces of evidence. The public can be excluded only in cases specified by law.
Article 49
Only the law established which conduct constitutes a criminal act and what punishment or other form of deprivation of rights or property
may be inflicted upon those who committed it.
Article 50
(1) Only the court shall decide on guilt and punishment for criminal acts.
(2) Every defendant is considered innocent until the court establishes his guilt by means of a legally valid verdict.
(3) The accused has the right to be granted the time and opportunity to prepare his defense, either himself or through a defense counsel.
(4) The defendant has the right to refuse to testify and must not be denied this right under any circumstances.
(5) No one must be made criminally liable for a deed for which he has already been sentenced or of which he has already been acquitted
in a legally valid manner. This principle does not rule out the application of extraordinary corrective means in harmony with the law.
(6) The criminal liability of a deed is assessed, and punishment is meted out, according to the law valid at the time when the offense was
committed. A more recent law will be applied if it is more favorable for the perpetrator.
Part 8 Common Provisions for Chapters One and Two
Article 51
The rights listed under Articles 35, 36, 37 (4), 38-42, and 44-46 can be claimed only within the limits of the laws that execute those
provisions.
Article 52
(1) Wherever the term "citizen" is used in Chapters One and Two of this Constitution, this is understood to mean citizen of the Slovak
Republic.
(2) Foreign nationals enjoy in the Slovak Republic basic human rights and liberties guaranteed by this Constitution, unless these are
expressly granted only to citizens.
(3) Wherever the term "citizen" is used in previous legal regulations, this is understood to mean every person, wherever this concerns the
rights and liberties that this Constitution extends regardless of citizenship.
Article 53
The Slovak Republic grants asylum to foreign nationals persecuted for upholding political rights and liberties. Asylum may be denied to
those who acted at variance with basic human rights and liberties. Details will be defined by law.
Article 54
The law may restrict the right of judges and prosecutors to engage in entrepreneurial and other activity and the right listed under Article
29 (2); the right of employees of state administration bodies and territorial self-administration bodies in designated functions listed under
Article 37 (4); and the rights of members of armed forces and armed corps listed under Articles 27 and 28, if these are related to the
execution of their duties. The law may restrict the right to strike for persons in professions that are vital for the protection of life and
health.
Part 1 General Provisions
Article 11 [Human Rights]
International treaties on human rights and basic liberties that were ratified by the Slovak Republic and promulgated in a manner determined
by law take precedence over its own laws, provided that they secure a greater extent of constitutional rights and liberties.
Article 12 [Equality]
(1) People are free and equal in dignity and their rights. Basic rights and liberties are inviolable, inalienable, secured by law, and
unchallengeable.
(2) Basic rights and liberties on the territory of the Slovak Republic are guaranteed to everyone regardless of sex, race, color of skin,
language, creed and religion, political or other beliefs, national or social origin, affiliation to a nation or ethnic group, property, descent, or
another status. No one must be harmed, preferred, or discriminated against on these grounds.
(3) Everyone has the right to freely decide on his nationality. Any influence on this decision and any form of pressure aimed at
assimilation are forbidden.
(4) No one must be restricted in his rights because he upholds his basic rights and liberties.
Article 13
(1) Duties can be imposed only on the basis of law, within its limits, and while complying with basic rights and liberties.
(2) Limits to basic rights and liberties can be set only by law, under conditions laid down in this Constitution.
(3) Legal restrictions of constitutional rights and liberties must apply equally to all cases that meet the set conditions.
(4) When restricting constitutional rights and liberties, attention must be paid to their essence and meaning. These restrictions must not be
used for any other than the set purpose.
Part 2 Basic Human Rights and Liberties
Article 14 [Eligibility to Rights]
Everyone is worthy of having rights.
Article 15 [Right to Life]
(1) Everyone has the right to life. Human life is worthy of protection even prior to birth.
(2) No one must be deprived of life.
(3) Capital punishment is not permitted.
(4) If someone was deprived of life as a result of an action that does not represent a criminal act, this does not constitute a violation of
rights according to this Article.
Article 16 [Personal Integrity]
(1) The inviolability of the person and its privacy is guaranteed. It can be limited only in cases defined by law.
(2) No one must be tortured or subjected to cruel, inhuman, or humiliating treatment or punishment.
Article 17 [Personal Liberty]
(1) Personal freedom is guaranteed.
(2) No one must be prosecuted or deprived of freedom other than for reasons and in a manner defined by law. No one must be deprived
of freedom solely because of his inability to comply with a contractual obligation.
(3) A person accused or suspected of a criminal act can be detained only in cases defined by law. The detained person must be
immediately informed of the reasons for the detainment, interrogated, and either released or brought before the court within 24 hours at
the latest. The judge must question the detainee within 24 hours of taking over the case and decide on his or her custody or release.
(4) An accused person may be arrested only on the basis of a written, substantiated court warrant. The arrested person must be brought
before the court within 24 hours. The judge must question the arrested person within 24 hours of taking over the case and decide on his
or her custody or release.
(5) A person can be taken into custody only for reasons and for a period defined by law and on the basis of a court ruling.
(6) The law will specify in which cases a person can be admitted to, or kept in, institutional health care without his or her consent. Such a
measure must be reported within 24 hours to the court, which will then decide on this placement within five days.
(7) The mental state of a person accused of criminal activity can be examined only on the basis of the court's written order.
Article 18 [Freedom of Work]
(1) No one must be subjected to forced labor or services.
(2) The provision of Section (1) does not apply to
a) work assigned according to the law to persons serving a prison term or some other punishment substituting for a prison term,
b) military service or some other service assigned by law in lieu of compulsory military service,
c) services required on the basis of the law in the event of natural catastrophes, accidents, or other dangers posing a threat to life, health,
or property of great value,
d) activities laid down by law to protect life, health, or the rights of others.
Article 19 [Right to Privacy]
(1) Everyone has the right to the preservation of his human dignity and personal honor, and the protection of his good name.
(2) Everyone has the right to protection against unwarranted interference in his private and family life.
(3) Everyone has the right to protection against the unwarranted collection, publication, or other illicit use of his personal data.
Article 20 [Property]
(1) Everyone has the right to own property. The ownership right of all owners has the same legal content and deserves the same
protection. Inheritance of property is guaranteed.
(2) The law will specify which property other than property listed in Article 4 that is essential to meet the needs of society, the
development of the national economy, and public interest can be owned only by the state, community, or designated juridical persons. The
law can also specify that certain property can be owned only by citizens or juridical persons resident in the Slovak Republic.
(3) Ownership is binding. It must not be misused to the detriment of others or at variance with general interests protected by law. By
exercising ownership, no harm must be done to human health, nature, cultural monuments, and the environment beyond limits set by law.
(4) Expropriation or enforced restriction of the ownership right is admissible only to the extent that it is unavoidable and in the public
interest, on the basis of law, and in return for adequate compensation.
Article 21 [Inviolability of the Home]
(1) A person's home is inviolable. It must not be entered without the resident's consent.
(2) A house search is admissible only in connection with criminal proceedings and only on the basis of the judge's written and
substantiated order. The method of carrying out a house search will be set out in a law.
(3) Other infringements upon the inviolability of one's home can be permitted by law only if this is inevitable in a democratic society in
order to protect people's lives, health, or property, to protect the rights and liberties of others, or to ward off a serious threat to public
order. If the home is used also for business or to perform some other economic activity, such infringements can be permitted by law also
when this is unavoidable in meeting the tasks of public administration.
Article 22 [Secrecy of Communication]
(1) The privacy of correspondence and secrecy of mailed messages and other written documents and the protection of personal data are
guaranteed.
(2) No one must violate the privacy of correspondence and the secrecy of other written documents and records, whether they are kept in
privacy or sent by mail or in another way, with the exception of cases to be set out in a law. Equally guaranteed is the secrecy of
messages conveyed by telephone, telegraph, or other similar means.
Article 23 [Freedom of Movement]
(1) Freedom of movement and of abode are guaranteed.
(2) Everyone who is rightfully staying on the territory of the Slovak Republic has the right to freely leave this territory.
(3) Freedoms according to Sections (1) and (2) can be restricted by law if it is unavoidable for the security of the state, to maintain public
order, protect the health and the rights and liberties of others, and, in designated areas, also for reasons of environmental protection.
(4) Every citizen has the right to freely enter the territory of the Slovak Republic. A citizen must not be forced to leave his homeland and
he must not be deported or extradited.
(5) A foreign national can be deported only in cases specified by law.
Article 24 [Freedom of Religion]
(1) The freedoms of thought, conscience, religion, and faith are guaranteed. This right also comprises the possibility to change one's
religious belief or faith. Everyone has the right to be without religious belief. Everyone has the right to publicly express his opinion.
(2) Everyone has the right to freely express his religion or faith on his own or together with others, privately or publicly, by means of
divine and religious services, by observing religious rites, or by participating in the teaching of religion.
(3) Churches and religious communities administer their own
affairs. In particular, they constitute their own bodies, inaugurate their clergymen, organize the teaching of religion, and establish religious
orders and other church institutions independently of state bodies.
(4) Conditions for exercising rights according to Sections (1)-(3) can be limited only by law, if such a measure is unavoidable in a
democratic society to protect public order, health, morality, or the rights and liberties of others.
Article 25
(1) The defense of the Slovak Republic is a matter of honor for each citizen.
(2) No one must be forced to perform military service if this runs counter to his conscience or religious belief. The details will be
specified in a law.
Part 3 Political Rights
Article 26 [Freedom of Expression]
(1) The freedom of speech and the right to information are guaranteed.
(2) Everyone has the right to express his views in word, writing, print, picture, or other means as well as the right to freely seek out,
receive, and spread ideas and information without regard for state borders. The issuing of press is not subject to licensing procedures.
Enterprise in the fields of radio and television may be pegged to the awarding of an authorization from the state. The conditions will be
specified by law.
(3) Censorship is banned.
(4) The freedom of speech and the right to seek out and spread information can be restricted by law if such a measure is unavoidable in a
democratic society to protect the rights and liberties of others, state security, public order, or public health and morality.
(5) State bodies and territorial self-administration bodies are under an obligation to provide information on their activities in an appropriate
manner and in the state language. The conditions and manner of execution will be specified by law.
Article 27 [Right to Petition]
(1) The right of petition is guaranteed. Everyone has the right, alone or with others, to address requests, proposals, and complaints to
state bodies and territorial self-administration bodies in matters of public or other common interest.
(2) A petition must not be used to call for the violation of basic rights and liberties.
(3) A petition must not interfere with the independence of a court.
Article 28 [Right to Assemble]
(1) The right to assemble peacefully is guaranteed.
(2) Conditions for exercising this right will be set out in a law in the event of assemblies in public places, if such a measure is unavoidable
in a democratic society to protect the rights and liberties of others, public order, health and morality, property, or the security of the state.
An assembly must not be made conditional on the issuance of an authorization by a state administration body.
Article 29 [Right to Associate]
(1) The right to freely associate is guaranteed. Everyone has the right to associate with others in clubs, societies, or other associations.
(2) Citizens have the right to establish political parties and political movements and to associate in them.
(3) The enactment of rights according to Sections (1) and (2) can be restricted only in cases specified by law, if this is unavoidable in a
democratic society for reasons of state security, to protect public order, to forestall criminal acts, or to protect the rights and liberties of
others.
(4) Political parties and political movements, as well as clubs, societies, and other associations are separated from the state.
Article 30 [Electoral Rights]
(1) Citizens have the right to participate in the administration of public affairs either directly or through the free election of their
representatives.
(2) Elections must be held within deadlines that do not exceed the regular electoral period as defined by law.
(3) The right to vote is universal, equal, and direct and is exercised by means of secret ballot. Conditions for exercising the right to vote
will be set out in a law.
(4) Citizens have access to elected and other public posts under equal conditions.
Article 31 [Political Equality and Competition]
The legal definition of all political rights and liberties and their interpretation and use must enable and protect the free competition of
political forces in a democratic society.
Article 32 [Right to Resistance]
Citizens have the right to put up resistance to anyone who would eliminate the democratic order of human rights and basic liberties listed
in this Constitution, if the activity of constitution-
al bodies and the effective use of legal means are rendered impossible.
Part 4 The Rights of National Minorities and Ethnic Groups
Article 33
Membership of any national minority or ethnic group must not be to anyone's detriment.
Article 34
(1) The comprehensive development of citizens representing national minorities or ethnic groups in the Slovak Republic is guaranteed,
particularly the right to develop their own culture, together with other members of the minority or ethnic group, the right to disseminate
and receive information in their mother tongue, the right to associate in national minority associations, and the right to set up and maintain
educational and cultural institutions. Details will be set out in a law.
(2) In addition to the right to master the state language, citizens belonging to national minorities or ethnic groups also have, under
conditions defined by law, a guaranteed
a) right to education in their own language,
b) right to use their language in dealings with the authorities,
c) right to participate in the solution of affairs concerning national minorities and ethnic groups.
(3) The enactment of the rights of citizens belonging to national minorities and ethnic groups that are guaranteed in this Constitution must
not be conducive to jeopardizing the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Slovak Republic or to discrimination against its other
inhabitants.
Part 5 Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights
Article 35
(1) Everyone has the right to a free choice of profession and to training for it, as well as the right to engage in entrepreneurial or other
gainful activity.
(2) Conditions and restrictions with regard to the execution of certain professions or activities can be specified by law.
(3) Citizens have the right to work. Citizens who are unable to exercise this right through no fault of their own are provided for materially
by the state to an appropriate extent. The conditions will be defined by law.
(4) A different regulation of rights listed under Sections (1)-(3) can be specified by law for foreign nationals.
Article 36
Employees have the right to equitable and adequate working conditions. The law guarantees, above all
a) the right to remuneration for work done, sufficient to ensure the employee's dignified standard of living,
b) protection against arbitrary dismissal and discrimination at the place of work,
c) labor safety and the protection of health at work,
d) the longest admissible working time,
e) adequate rest after work,
f) the shortest admissible period of paid leave,
g) the right to collective bargaining.
Article 37
(1) Everyone has the right to freely associate with others in order to protect his economic and social interests.
(2) Trade union organizations are established independently of the state. It is inadmissible to limit the number of trade union organizations,
in the same way as it is inadmissible to give some of them a preferential status, be it in an enterprise or a branch of the economy.
(3) The activity of trade union organizations and the founding and operation of other associations protecting economic and social interests
can be restricted by law if such a measure is unavoidable in a democratic society to protect the security of the state, public order, or the
rights and liberties of others.
(4) The right to strike is guaranteed. The conditions will be defined by law. This right does not extend to judges, prosecutors, members of
the armed forces and armed corps, and members of the fire brigades.
Article 38
(1) Women, minors, and persons with impaired health are entitled to an enhanced protection of their health at work as well as to special
working conditions.
(2) Minors and persons with impaired health are entitled to special protection in labor relations as well as to assistance in professional
training.
(3) Details concerning rights listed in Sections (1) and (2) will be set out in a law.
Article 39
(1) Citizens have the right to adequate material provision in old age, in the event of work disability, as well as after losing their provider.
(2) Everyone who is in material need is entitled to assistance necessary to ensure basic living conditions.
(3) Details concerning rights listed in Sections (1) and (2) will be set out in a law.
Article 40
Everyone has a right to the protection of his health. Based on public insurance, citizens have the right to free health care and to medical
supplies under conditions defined by law.
Article 41
(1) Marriage, parenthood, and the family are under the protection of the law. The special protection of children and minors is guaranteed.
(2) Special care, protection in labor relations, and adequate working conditions are guaranteed to women during the period of pregnancy.
(3) Children born in and out of wedlock enjoy equal rights.
(4) Child care and the upbringing of children are among the rights of parents; children have the right to parental care and upbringing.
Parents' rights can be restricted and minors can be separated from their parents against their will only by means of a court ruling based on
the law.
(5) Parents caring for children are entitled to assistance from the state.
(6) Details concerning rights listed in Sections (1)-(5) will be set out in a law.
Article 42
(1) Everyone has the right to education. School attendance is compulsory. Its period and age limit will be defined by law.
(2) Citizens have the right to free education at primary and secondary schools and, based on their abilities and society's resources, also at
higher educational establishments.
(3) Schools other than state schools may be established, and instruction in them provided, only under conditions defined by law. Such
schools may charge a tuition fee.
(4) A law will specify under which conditions citizens who are engaged in studies are entitled to assistance from the state.
Article 43
(1) Freedom of scientific research and in art are guaranteed. The rights to the results of creative intellectual activity are protected by law.
(2) The right of access to the cultural heritage is guaranteed under conditions defined by law.
Part 6 The Right to the Protection of the Environment and the Cultural Heritage
Article 44
(1) Everyone has the right to an auspicious environment.
(2) Everyone is obliged to protect and enhance the environment and the cultural heritage.
(3) No one must endanger or damage the environment, natural resources, and the cultural heritage beyond the extent established by law.
(4) The state looks after an economical use of natural resources, ecological balance, and effective environmental care.
Article 45
Everyone has the right to timely and complete information about the state of the environment and the causes and consequences of its
condition.
Part 7 The Right to Protection by the Court and Other Legal Protection
Article 46
(1) Everyone may claim by the established legal procedure his right to an independent and impartial court hearing and, in cases designated
by law, to another body of the Slovak Republic.
(2) Anyone who claims to have been deprived of his rights by a decision of a public administration body may appeal to the court for it to
reexamine the lawfulness of that decision, unless specified otherwise by law. The reexamination of decisions concerning basic rights and
liberties must not, however, be excluded from the court's authority.
(3) Everyone is entitled to compensation for damage incurred as a result of an unlawful decision by a court or another state or public
administration body, or as a result of an incorrect official procedure.
(4) Conditions and details concerning court and other legal protection will be set out in a law.
Article 47
(1) Everyone has the right to refuse to testify if, by doing so, he might expose himself or a person close to him to the risk of criminal
prosecution.
(2) Everyone has the right to legal assistance in court proceedings or proceedings before other state or public administration bodies. He
has this right from the very start of the proceedings, under conditions defined by law.
(3) All participants in proceedings according to Section (2) are equal.
(4) Anyone who declares that he does not have a command of the language in which the proceedings according to Section (2)
are conducted has the right to an interpreter.
Article 48
(1) No one must be removed from the jurisdiction of his law-assigned judge. The jurisdiction of the court is established by law.
(2) Everyone has the right to have his case tried in public, without needless procrastination, and in his presence and to deliver his opinion
on all pieces of evidence. The public can be excluded only in cases specified by law.
Article 49
Only the law established which conduct constitutes a criminal act and what punishment or other form of deprivation of rights or property
may be inflicted upon those who committed it.
Article 50
(1) Only the court shall decide on guilt and punishment for criminal acts.
(2) Every defendant is considered innocent until the court establishes his guilt by means of a legally valid verdict.
(3) The accused has the right to be granted the time and opportunity to prepare his defense, either himself or through a defense counsel.
(4) The defendant has the right to refuse to testify and must not be denied this right under any circumstances.
(5) No one must be made criminally liable for a deed for which he has already been sentenced or of which he has already been acquitted
in a legally valid manner. This principle does not rule out the application of extraordinary corrective means in harmony with the law.
(6) The criminal liability of a deed is assessed, and punishment is meted out, according to the law valid at the time when the offense was
committed. A more recent law will be applied if it is more favorable for the perpetrator.
Part 8 Common Provisions for Chapters One and Two
Article 51
The rights listed under Articles 35, 36, 37 (4), 38-42, and 44-46 can be claimed only within the limits of the laws that execute those
provisions.
Article 52
(1) Wherever the term "citizen" is used in Chapters One and Two of this Constitution, this is understood to mean citizen of the Slovak
Republic.
(2) Foreign nationals enjoy in the Slovak Republic basic human rights and liberties guaranteed by this Constitution, unless these are
expressly granted only to citizens.
(3) Wherever the term "citizen" is used in previous legal regulations, this is understood to mean every person, wherever this concerns the
rights and liberties that this Constitution extends regardless of citizenship.
Article 53
The Slovak Republic grants asylum to foreign nationals persecuted for upholding political rights and liberties. Asylum may be denied to
those who acted at variance with basic human rights and liberties. Details will be defined by law.
Article 54
The law may restrict the right of judges and prosecutors to engage in entrepreneurial and other activity and the right listed under Article
29 (2); the right of employees of state administration bodies and territorial self-administration bodies in designated functions listed under
Article 37 (4); and the rights of members of armed forces and armed corps listed under Articles 27 and 28, if these are related to the
execution of their duties. The law may restrict the right to strike for persons in professions that are vital for the protection of life and
health.
After centuries of domination by Austria, "A Memorandum For the Slovak Nation" was proclaimed in
1861. Following World War I, the Slovak Nation entered into a voluntary union with the Czechs to form
the nation of Czechoslovakia. On 1 September, 1992 a new Constitution for the Slovak Republic was
adopted and on 25 November 1992, the federal parliament, the state of Czechoslovakia dissolves into the
Czech Republik and Slovakia with Independence formally acknowledged on 1 January 1993. The
Constitution has been amended three times, in 1998, 1999 and 2001 to conform to European Union
standards. Basic Rights and Freedoms are enumerated in Chapter II, conform with the terms and
obligations as set forth in the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights of which Slovakia is a
signatory and are detailed below. For a full English translation of Slovakia's constitution, click here.
1861. Following World War I, the Slovak Nation entered into a voluntary union with the Czechs to form
the nation of Czechoslovakia. On 1 September, 1992 a new Constitution for the Slovak Republic was
adopted and on 25 November 1992, the federal parliament, the state of Czechoslovakia dissolves into the
Czech Republik and Slovakia with Independence formally acknowledged on 1 January 1993. The
Constitution has been amended three times, in 1998, 1999 and 2001 to conform to European Union
standards. Basic Rights and Freedoms are enumerated in Chapter II, conform with the terms and
obligations as set forth in the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights of which Slovakia is a
signatory and are detailed below. For a full English translation of Slovakia's constitution, click here.