Commissioner for the Protection of Equality Brankica Jankovic participated at the round table of Congress of Serbian-American Friendship, which was dedicated to the possibilities for promoting democratic values and human rights in Serbia.

In her speech during the introductory part of the meeting, Commissioner Jankovic welcomed the establishing of Congress of Serbian-American Friendship and stressed that the most democratic value – respecting of human right stands as a ground for strengthening of existing relations and good cooperation through the joint work, but also for opening of some new perspectives in different areas of social life. Only the society that relies on the ideas of tolerance and equality can expect the real progress and welfare, emphasized Commissioner. She stated that economy crisis and globalization challenges that many countries, including ours, are experiencing can lead to instability and limitation of the right to equality and other human rights, but these challenges must not be allowed to become an obstacle in the construction of society that would ensure the efficient protection and full respect of human rights. I believe that people gathered around idea of Congress will be important stakeholders in creating of common environment that shall significantly contribute to the promotion of tolerance and equality values, concluded Commissioner.

The meeting was opened by Vice President of the National Parliament of the Republic of Serbia Vladimir Marinkovic, while other speakers were also Ambassador of USA Kyle Scott, director of the Office for Human and Minority Rights Suzana Paunovic and National Democratic Institute Board member Robin Carnahan. Congress of Serbian-American Friendship is consisted of prominent representatives from the spheres of politics, education, science, business and other areas, who wish to give their contribution to the strengthening of relations between Serbia and USA.