The following statement was issued today by the Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights:
The Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers, Dato' Param Cumaraswamy, has become increasingly concerned about the current attempt by the Government of the Slovak Republic to remove the President of the Supreme Court of the Slovak Republic from office. This attempt comes after the Vice President of the Supreme Court was removed from office earlier this year. The Special Rapporteur is concerned that these actions may constitute a threat to the independence of the judiciary.
After consideration of the situation and the replies of the Government to his communications, the Special Rapporteur considers the only way to fully ascertain the situation is a direct examination of the matter through meetings with the various parties involved.
In light of this, the Special Rapporteur in a communication to the Government of the Slovak Republic, on 1 November 2000, requested permission to conduct an in situ mission. The Special Rapporteur hopes the Government will facilitate his request to investigate his concerns regarding the independence of the judiciary.
Welcome to the United Nations 
OHCHR 
