Solidarity and respect are key words for this year, since the consequences of pandemic don’t affect us equally. Measures aimed to overcome the consequences of pandemic have to establish the balance between protection of health, human rights and minimization of economic and social disturbances, while all social actors must be included in measure designing process, said Commissioner for Protection of Equality Brankica Jankovic at the conference „Work and Employment – what to expect in 2021?“ dedicated to influence of COVID-19 pandemic to working rights in Serbia, organized by Foundation Center for Democracy.

The greatest burden of crisis caused by pandemic was borne by workers from the most vulnerable social groups, such are women, youth, persons with disabilities and Roma, but also workers in industries which were particularly affected by measures for suppression of pandemic, employees with time limited contracts or from grey economy area, said Jankovic. Reminding that the right to work is one of basic human rights, Commissioner stressed that authorities must do everything in order to ensure equal protection of all citizens.

At the opening of the conference also spoke Natasa Vuckovic, executive director of FCD, Johan Shmidt from International Center Olof Palme and Jan Lundin, Ambassador of Sweden.