Center for the Research of Ethnicity and Culture

National Network
Slovak Republic
Address

Dobrovičova 3
811 03 Slovakia
Slovakia

Telephone
+421944156858
E-Mail
chudzikova@cvek.sk
E-Mail (2)
info@cvek.sk
E-Mail (3)
kriglerova@cvek.sk
Organisation Type
Non-Governmental Organization
Year of Establishment
2005
Fields of Activity
  1. Research
General Information

CVEK is an independent NGO dedicated to research, advocacy and educational activities in the area of human rights, minority rights, migration and interethnic relations. The organisation is currently composed of three senior research fellows, one junior research fellow, a director and a financial manager. Sources of funding vary annually but usually include EU funds (CVEK is national focal point for EU Agency for Fundamental Rights) and funds from various foundations (e.g. Open Society Foundation, so called Norwegian grants). We usually cooperate with other NGOs with similar focus but also with municipalities across the country. Our cooperation with municipalities is usually aimed at their capacity building with respect to intercultural skills and communication and inclusive policy making (e.g. project BUK http://cvek.sk/integration-of-migrants-on-the-local-level-capacity-building-of-local-actors/ and project KapaCity http://cvek.sk/kapacity-podpora-integracie-cudzincov-na-lokalnej-urovni/).

Mission and Objectives

Our common mission is to make a systematic effort aimed at creating an environment in which every person has every right to feel like a valuable and respected human being. Our work is rooted in defending fundamental human rights principles such as respecting dignity of every person and promoting diversity of society. The activities of CVEK focus particularly on ethnic, language and religious minorities. We specialise in promoting inclusion of marginalised population groups, be it the Roma, migrants or other minorities. Thematically, we place emphasis especially on education, housing, social status, interethnic relations and political participation. Our activities may be divided into three basic pillars: research, advocacy and education.

Main Projects / Activities

Our main activities include research. We explore the situation of individuals and population groups that are unable to participate fully in society’s everyday life and examine various public policies and practical measures that are likely to affect their lives. We also analyse the public opinion and the political discourse as we are keen on bringing down the barriers that hinder development of a truly inclusive society. At the same time, our surveys give voice to marginalised population groups and communicate their needs to the powers that be. The findings from our surveys are subsequently used to analyse public policies and formulate recommendations for policy-makers. Through releasing expert publications and media outputs, commenting on proposed or adopted legislation and taking part in various task forces we strive to advocate the measures that respect human rights and eliminate social disparities. We are well aware that criticism alone is not enough, which is why most of our projects focus on developing cooperation with decision-makers in practical implementation of public policies. We cooperate with municipal authorities, central state administration bodies, schools and other public institutions, preparing educational activities, providing consultation and supplying inside information to them.

How can you contribute to the Network in your country?

We believe that the Network in our country could benefit from our expertise in intercultural communication and our research expertise as well as findings.

Why do you want to join the ALF Network?

ALF Network provides a unique opportunity to explore new possibilities of expanding and sharing our expertise in intercultural communication. Building partnerships is one of our main ways of work and having an opportunity to create new cooperations with international partners with whom we can exchange knowledge and practice is a strong motivator for us to join the network.

Contact (1) Full Name
Alena Holka Chudžíková
Job Title
Senior Research Fellow
Head of the organisation
Elena Gallová Kriglerová
Contact (2) Full Name
Elena Gallová Kriglerová
Job Title (2)
Director/Senior Research Fellow