Vietnamese community recognized as ethnic minority group in Slovakia

Vietnamese community in Slovakia celebrate the lunar New Year festival.

The decision was made on the basis of the recommendations of the Slovak Government council on human rights, ethnic minorities, and gender equality, and experts. Accordingly, the Vietnamese community fully meets the criteria "in quantity," "has lived in Slovakia for nearly 70 years and the 3rd generation has fully integrated into society."

Following the Government’s resolution, the Vietnamese community will have representatives at the Committee on Ethnic Minorities and Ethnic Groups under the Council of the Government of the Slovak Republic for Human Rights, Ethnic Minorities, and Gender Equality. The community will be supported with financial resources from the Fund for Cultural Support of Ethnic Minorities and have the right to voice opinions about the fund.

The Vietnamese Association in Slovakia sees the Slovak Government’s recognition as an opportunity to bring more benefits to the community.

It is estimated that about 7,000 Vietnamese-origin people are living and studying in the country. The last time the country with a population of 5.5 million people recognized a community as an ethnic minority group was 13 years ago for the Serbian community.

Source: VNA