The importance of tolerance and equality has never been more emphasized than in recent times, while in practice intolerance is present at all levels, Commissioner for the Protection of Equality Brankica Jankovic said on the occasion of November 16, International Day of Tolerance, saying that such situation may have long-term consequences for the whole society.

The time we are living in – new models of communication, migration and new social patterns influence our understanding of tolerance and our acceptance of the other and the different. We must not forget that tolerance is a balance in difference, fueled by knowledge, openness, communication and freedom of thought, conscience and belief, and that exclusion and marginalization can lead to frustration, hostility and bigotry, the Commissioner said.

We often witness that labeling people because of their political and other affiliation, origin or surname, has become a daily routine, and disparaging opponents is being imposed as a standard vocabulary by many public figures. Insults based on gender, sexist and misogynistic statements can hardly be counted. It’s not good for Serbia and it does not suit it, as a democratic country as it is and should be. People in all their diversity are our greatest treasure, people who believe in the future of this country and who link their future to this country. At the moment when we witness daily the massive departure from the country, no one should allow himself or herself to be “forced and expelled” or worse, threatened to be killed. State officials, politicians, as well as those who have ambitions to hold some of the most responsible functions, as well as all participants in the public space, should be aware of their responsibility for every word spoken, and must also be aware of the necessity and importance of all types of dialogue, said Jankovic.

Learning about tolerance begins in our homes, communities, environment, relations with neighbors, and continues in schools, because the first step in preventing intolerance is to teach tolerance, or to point out the rights and freedoms that people share with others. It is true that some things have been done in Serbia, but there is still a lot of work ahead of us, concluded Commissioner Jankovic.

On the occasion of the International Day of Tolerance and the Day of the Institution of the Commissioner for Equality Protection, an annual conference will be held on Monday, November 18, presenting a survey on “What Do Citizens Think About Discrimination in Serbia” and a panel on “Where We Are 10 Years From the adoption of the Anti-Discrimination Act. ” The Commissioner’s annual media awards for tolerance will be presented as well as awards for “Municipalities / City of Equal Opportunities”.