The statement made by Member of Parliament Vladimir Đukanović on Happy TV, claiming that children are the property of the state until they reach adulthood, is utterly unfounded, dangerous, and condemnable, said the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality, Brankica Janković. She added that the denial of children’s rights to freedom of association and peaceful assembly is also deeply troubling.

Janković emphasized that children are equal members of society who, as human beings, enjoy all the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution, laws, and ratified international documents. Human beings are not and cannot be objects of ownership. Any misinterpretation or unlawful invocation of institutions, especially social welfare centers, to limit someone’s rights and freedoms is prohibited, Janković stressed.

The Commissioner also reminded that the Convention on the Rights of the Child guarantees children’s right to participation, which includes the right to freedom of association and peaceful assembly, as well as the right to freely express their opinions on all matters, in accordance with their age and developmental capacities. Moreover, the state is obligated to respect children’s opinions and has a responsibility to ensure their protection and safety at all times, including during assemblies. Additionally, under Article 2 of the Convention, the state is required to take all necessary measures to protect children from all forms of discrimination or punishment based on the status, activities, expressed opinions, or beliefs of their parents, legal guardians, or family members.

Finally, Janković pointed out that, in accordance with the Law on the Prohibition of Discrimination, every child has equal rights and protection within the family, society, and state, regardless of their own or their parents’, guardians’, or family members’ personal characteristics.