The number of reported harassments or threats against CSOs
CSOs, including environmental, feminist and LGBTIQ organizations and human rights defenders continue to face threats and verbal attacks, including from politicians.
According to the European Commission’s Rule of Report 2023 concerning Slovakia, CSOs working on issues related to gender equality and LGBTIQ rights continue to face a difficult environment, exacerbated by disinformation campaigns and verbal attacks from politicians. The increasing intensity of hate speech was prevalent during the 2023 parliamentary election campaign, including purported association of CSOs with “liberal extremism”, or undermining their credibility and trustworthiness, labelling human rights NGOs as “Soros” organizations. Environmental human rights defenders were also targeted and referred to as “eco-terrorists” by several MP candidates.