An open and proactive approach to communication is a key condition for strengthening public trust and effective protection of equality, emphasized the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality, Milan Antonijević, during the panel discussion “Magazine of Regional Social Protection, Second Edition.”

This panel was held as part of the fifth Festival of Law and Social Protection in Leskovac, which had the theme “Legal Argumentation vs. Media Digitalization.”

Citizens need to know what their rights are, whom they can turn to, and how to get answers, because the system exists precisely for them. It is our duty to continuously improve it, to seek better solutions, and to correct the weaknesses we notice. That is why it is important to encourage people to contact us when they feel they are being treated unfairly, to report discrimination, because the institution is there to help them and explain how they can achieve protection. We must be present on digital channels and social networks, especially if we want to reach young people, said the Commissioner.

Antonijević also spoke about equality in the workplace and the increasing number of complaints from educational workers and public sector employees, who are facing consequences due to their union and political engagement, as well as the less favorable position of certain employees due to changes in salary calculations.

Panel participants also included Professor Suzi Kvas, General Secretary of the Social Chamber of Slovenia, Osman Šaljo, Director of the Family Counseling Center in Sarajevo, psychologist and psychotherapist Dušan Malešević, and Vladimir Antić, Director of the Center for Social Work in Trstenik.