We are marking International Human Rights Day at a time of serious global upheavals in the realization and protection of fundamental human rights. Conflicts, violence, hate speech and discrimination are increasingly present, said Commissioner for the Protection of Equality Brankica Janković.

Discrimination is still most common on the basis of Roma nationality, disability, gender, sexual orientation, and recently it has become increasingly intense on the basis of political and other beliefs, said Janković. She expressed concern about the actions of the police and judicial authorities in exercising their powers towards various actors at public gatherings, reminding that state authorities must treat everyone equally. Namely, equal treatment ensures the rule of law, while any unequal treatment creates a sense of injustice and increases tensions in society, which are reflected in mutual conflicts, attacks on journalists, the premises of institutions and political parties, which we have witnessed in recent weeks.

Citizens’ concerns, in any case where the public interest is at stake, should be taken seriously, responses should be provided in a timely manner, and meaningful dialogue should be enabled in order to calm tensions, the Commissioner pointed out.

On International Human Rights Day, Janković is participating in the 4th UNESCO Global Forum against Racism and Discrimination in Barcelona, as one of the founders of the UNESCO Network of Officials against Racism and Discrimination, along with representatives from the USA, Canada, Italy, Brazil and Sweden. At the forum, the Commissioner emphasized that there is no pronounced problem of racism in Serbia, but that the emphasis is placed on protection, prevention and education, with adequate response to individual cases of reported discrimination. On that occasion, Janković also presented examples of good practice of the institution of the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality.