On the occasion of the International Day of Social Justice, the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality, Brankica Janković, stated that, although a lot has been achieved, examples of social inequality are still visible almost daily. This primarily refers to the negative consequences of the pandemic, which are visible in the more difficult access to health and social protection, as well as education. Namely, despite the quick reaction of the state by strengthening health capacities and vaccination, some health services became more difficult to access, especially in smaller places, while online classes contributed to greater exclusion of low-income children, as well as those from informal settlements, who did not have suitable conditions. Also, poverty remains the main reason why marginalized groups are at greater risk of discrimination and social exclusion.

The key imperative of our society and all those responsible should, above all, be the intensification of measures aimed at reducing social exclusion, poverty and disparities between urban and rural areas. At the same time, an active employment policy should be continued, the efficiency of material support to individuals and families should be improved, as well as measures to support families with children, and population policy measures, the Commissioner concluded.