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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Serbia first in region to draft joint document on human rights status

Belgrade, 22 November 2010

Minister of Human and Minority Rights Svetozar Ciplic pointed out the need for constant improvement of human rights in Serbia, noting that the process must be transparent and involve the broader public.

Author: Beta

Speaking at a press conference on the occasion of a presentation of the joint fundamental document on the condition of human rights in Serbia, Ciplic emphasised that Serbia is the first country in the region to have drafted a joint document in this sector.

The government adopted this document in September and it represents a basic source of information regarding human rights in Serbia, Ciplic explained, adding that only Norway, Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic have adopted similar documents.

During the drafting process the Ministry considerably improved its relations with NGOs, the Minister noted.

The document, drafted with the support of the OSCE mission and the UN, includes general economic, social and demographic information about the state, as well as a legal framework for the protection of human rights at a national level and Serbia’s international obligations in this respect.

Head of the OSCE Mission to Serbia Ambassador Dimitrios Kypreos pointed out that Serbia is a worthy member of this organisation and that it fulfils its responsibilities regarding reporting on human rights.

OSCE member states agree that the protection and promotion of human rights is the goal of every government, he said and recalled that the OSCE is committed to respecting the dignity of people as an essential precondition for the functioning of any society.

UN Resident Coordinator in Serbia William Infante praised Serbia for being the first in the region to draft a document on the issue of human rights, adding that it gives an overview of the achievements in an argumentative way and treats all citizens equally.

Serbia should continue to empower human rights, especially those that are violated by hooligans and football fans. It is unacceptable to create a climate of impunity, or that two indictees of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) are still at large, Infante underlined and reiterated that Serbia is making the right steps in the protection of human rights.