On 16 November the capital city of Slovakia, Bratislava, officially welcomed its first 'supported refugee', persecuted Iranian writer Farhad Babaei, via the International Cities of Refuge Network (ICORN).

ICORN is an independent organisation of cities and regions that provide shelter to writers and artists at risk, promoting freedom of expression, defending democratic values, and fostering international solidarity. ICORN member cities offer long-term, temporary, shelter to those put at risk as a direct consequence of their creative activities. 

Since 2006 more than 70 cities worldwide have joined ICORN, giving shelter to approximately 200 writers, artists, and journalists. Bratislava became a formal member of the network on 20 September 2022. It is currently the only Slovakian city to do so, however this development sets a promising precedent for the rest of the country.