Music has always been a language understandable to all and belongs to all humanity, just as human rights do not have gender, nation or religion, but belong to all people, emphasized the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality, Brankica Janković, at the conference “Music of Hope – music curriculum at the service of every student”, organized by the Music Art Project association.

The Commissioner supported the unique educational program “Music of Hope” because it deals with the problem of social exclusion of children who are at greater risk of discrimination, and aims to create an environment that is open, respects diversity, and contributes to tolerance and understanding.

Janković pointed out that prejudices and stereotypes, which are the main sources of intolerance towards those who are different in any way, are most easily dismantled at the earliest age by promoting the values that a fair and equal society should strive for.

The rights of every child, she emphasized, must be protected at every opportunity, always and without exception, because the task of the wider community, but also of every individual in society, is to ensure a healthy and safe future for children, without discrimination, and that every child has access to quality education and equal chances to develop their potential to the maximum, added the Commissioner.

Children should be empowered and encouraged to let their voice be heard, to acquire new knowledge and skills, as well as to believe in themselves and their own abilities. Every child should feel seen, accepted and supported, concluded the Commissioner.