The Commissioner for the Protection of Equality, Brankica Janković, and the Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for Serbia, John Kennedy Mosoti, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to continue cooperation related to the protection against discrimination and the promotion of equality, especially social groups that are at greater risk of discrimination.
“The cooperation of the Commissioner, as the central independent state institution responsible for protection against discrimination and UNFPA will be realized through a series of activities aimed at improving the position of our oldest fellow citizens, to whom we are committed at the national and local level, with the aim of educating and involving young people in combating discrimination through the peer educators network of the Youth Panel, as well as enhancing the rights of women and girls in the field of sexual and reproductive health and suppressing online violence through the Body right campaign. The fight for equality and respect for human rights concerns the whole society and must have a high place on the list of public policy priorities because society is only as strong as its weakest members are”, Brankica Janković points out.
“This memorandum creates an excellent basis for our further joint efforts and represents the continuation of long-standing successful cooperation with the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality. Next year marks the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Program of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development, and therefore, it is important that we jointly strengthen our efforts and work to create an environment in Serbia where everyone can reach their full potential”, said John Kennedy Mosoti.
Every year, about 30 cases of femicide occur in Serbia, and according to available research, about 60% of women in Serbia experience some kind of violence from the age of 15. Also, only one in five women in Serbia uses modern contraception, and special efforts must be invested in educating young people, members of the Roma population, and other groups. The more and more present gender-based violence on the internet is also witnessed by surveys showing that 78% of respondents feel unsafe in the virtual sphere, even though they spend more than three hours a day online. On the other hand, every fifth person in Serbia is older than 65 years, with projections that by 2041 this share will increase to 24%. According to the results of the report on the position of the elderly conducted by the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality with the support of UNFPA, more than half of the elderly in Serbia feel discriminated against.
Continuous action is needed to promote and protect the rights of each of us and ensure that no one is left out, the signatories of the Memorandum concluded.
