Czech Govt compensates another woman over illegal sterilization

The Czech Government has settled out of court with a woman who complained to the European Court of Human Rights that she had been illegally sterilized. In addition to compensation of EUR 10 000, the agreement includes the concession that the government was at fault. The League of Human Rights is calling on the Government to face up to the controversial history of illegal sterilizations in the Czech lands and to compensate other such women who cannot sue because of statutes of limitations.

Hundreds of women in the Czech Republic have been sterilized without their informed consent. The cabinet of Czech Prime Minister Jan Fischer officially expressed regret for the sterilizations in 2009.

"We want the current Government to continue in that direction and to compensate all of the women. This past February the Czech Government Human Rights Council recommended creating a compensation mechanism. The Government should approve one as soon as possible so other victims do not have to file suit with the court in Strasbourg," said Kateřina Červená, a lawyer with the League of Human Rights.