The Commissioner for Protection of Equality – Brankica Janković and Ambassador of France to Serbia –  Jean Lui Falconi met to discuss the continuation of cooperation in the area of protection of equality, rule of law, advancement of equality and anti-discrimination.

Janković gave a brief overview of the work of the Commissioner, a central national institution for the protection against discrimination, as well as its membership activities in the European and regional networks of equality bodies. Commissioner Janković stressed that common values of our two countries, such as equality and solidarity, are becoming even more significant in the times of a global pandemic, and generally in the times when some fundamental human rights are unfortunately becoming a privilege rather than a standard. She pointed out that culture is an important factor in the development of and adherence to human rights and of Equality principles, especially in the area of gender, having in mind that theatre plays and exhibitions are known to be successful tools for dispersing stereotypes and prejudice.

Ambassador Falconi underlined that he supports the work of the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality, and stressed the pivotal role of the institution in the progress made with respect to the protection of human rights and adherence to principles of equality and non-discrimination in all areas of life. He also welcomed the cooperation of the Serbian and French Equality bodies.

The Commissioner and the Ambassador discussed the future common activities based on the exchange of good practices, experience and expertise with respect to marginalized social groups. They addressed several ongoing projects related to cooperation on these issues in the following year.