Commissioner for the Protection of Equality Brankica Jankovic participated at the 11th regular Annual Assembly of European Network of Equality Bodies (EQUINET).
Commissioner said that the Republic of Serbia has reached European standards in protecting citizens against discrimination, but that it faces similar challenges as other developed European countries. Jankovic stressed that the equality in Serbia is a value that is undoubtedly protected today and that equality and non-discrimination are of vital importance for developing of better society.
“Nevertheless, despite of clear progress in certain areas, we are living in times of growing intolerance, inequality and discrimination when European equality institutions are countering xenophobia and hate speech, which make EQUINET such important platform for networking of national equality bodies that enables the exchange of experiences and cooperation at European level”, said Commissioner and reminded that on 17 November will be 8 years since Commissioner for the Protection of Equality became a full member of this organization.
Brussels conference gathered high level officials, heads of equality bodies, European institutions and international organizations. At the main session titled “Together for Equal Europe”, a three-year Strategic Plan of EQUINET was adopted, implying the strengthening of this international network of equality bodies and recognizing its important catalyst role aimed to achievement of full equality in Europe for all. Georgia, Spain and Moldavia were announced as the new EQUINET members.
