Housing among Persons of International Protection in the Slovak Republic

Abstract

The present study2 analyses the conditions and housing opportunities for Persons of Concern(PoCs) to the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), specifically refugeesand persons who have been granted subsidiary protection in Slovakia. This study follows recentpilot studies conducted in Poland and Hungary, which examine the risks of homelessness forPoCs. However, the scope of this paper is wider and deals with issues of housing morethoroughly. The analysis includes risk assessment and the impact of housing policies andlegislation is assessed and key issues are identified. It is also the first comprehensive analysis ofhousing issues among PoCs in Slovakia. Since 2010 the provision of their basic needs werepassed from the state to an NGO which became the main service provider of theiraccommodation. Lack of education and an insufficient knowledge of Slovak language supportedby stereotypes and prejudices of employers and the majority to foreigners (especially from Africaand Arab countries) greatly reduce their chances to find a job and support an adequate housing.
The capacities of an NGO are limited and the state should rethink its approach towards thisvulnerable group via a concrete implementation plan (not just through strategic or conceptualdocuments) for their integration into the society.