On April 30, 2025, the Public Defender of Rights, JUDr. Róbert Dobrovodský, PhD., LL.M. (Tübingen), gave a lecture as part of the international Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) titled Migration in Global & Local Context, held at the Faculty of Arts, Comenius University in Bratislava. His lecture was also part of the university’s Regional Academy platform.
Dr. Dobrovodský introduced students and participants to the role of the Public Defender of Rights in promoting fundamental rights and freedoms in Slovakia, including those of migrants and foreigners. He focused particularly on the practical aspects of protecting the rights of individuals held in detention centers and shared insights from unannounced inspection visits to such facilities.
He highlighted several serious findings—for instance, degrading conditions in which migrants are detained, excessive restrictions on contact with family, insufficient access to healthcare, and the absence of a legal basis for confiscating personal belongings. He also presented specific recommendations aimed at improving the situation, including the use of alternatives to detention, enhancement of material conditions, and increasing the number of trained staff. At the same time, he pointed out positive changes that have been implemented following interventions by the Public Defender.
The lecture was highly praised for its professionalism, clarity, and openness. Students appreciated the opportunity to engage in discussion with the Public Defender on current challenges in the field of migration and human rights.