Commissioner for Protection of Equality Brankica Jankovic visited Novi Pazar where she gave lecture to students of International University about the role of institution in the protection of discrimination, followed by the meeting with several civil society organizations and visit to Regional Office of Commissioner for Protection of Equality.

The Constitution and laws of the Republic of Serbia prohibit discrimination on grounds of sex, nationality, ethnicity, religious belief and other protected characteristics, but the law itself is not sufficient to create fair and tolerant society. We must build awareness about the necessity of its full and consistent implementation, stressed Commissioner, pointing out that suppression of discrimination is an assignment of every democratic society. She invited students to react in every situation and to inform the discriminated person to submit a complaint, emphasizing that the institution of Commissioner provides equal legal protection to all citizens of Serbia.

Main topic of discussion at the meeting with representatives of Sandzak Committee for Protection of Human Rights and Freedoms, Urban Ina and Cultural Center DamaD were the key issues and problems that these organization encounter in their efforts to improve human rights. Jankovic fully supported their activities and once again condemned the threats which were recently addressed to civil society organizations. Commissioner emphasized exceptionally good cooperation with these organizations and concluded that they are important partners of the institution at a path of achieving full equality, respecting diversities and human rights of every citizen.

Brankica Jankovic ended the visit to Novi Pazar with a meeting with Micaela Turman, Head of OSCE office in this city.