International Human Rights Day reminds us that human rights are not merely a legal category but the foundation of a dignified life, equality, and a democratic society oriented toward development and the well-being of every individual. A society in which divisions are deepening and public dialogue is weakening faces serious challenges, and precisely for that reason, human rights must not become collateral damage of global crises and political tensions, Commissioner for the Protection of Equality, Milan Antonijević, stated. “There is no justification for restricting them, especially when it comes to groups at greater risk of discrimination,” he added.

Such groups include women, members of national minorities, especially the Roma community, persons with disabilities, and members of the LGBTI+ community, whose situation requires clear political will, concrete measures, and timely institutional responses.

When it comes to persons with disabilities, this means concrete support for an independent and dignified life, full architectural and informational accessibility, and participation. Women must be protected from all forms of discrimination, particularly in the labor market, as well as from gender-based and other forms of violence.

It is necessary to better regulate the rights of parents of children with disabilities and to strengthen the capacities of local self-governments in providing support services.

There are also the rights of LGBTI+ persons, rights that are taken for granted for other citizens, such as maintenance, acquisition and division of joint property, inheritance, and rights related to health care.

“It is evident that certain legislative solutions can no longer be postponed. The Law on Gender Equality is before the Constitutional Court, the Law on Same-Sex Partnerships has not been adopted, and discussions are already underway with the competent institutions regarding the Law on the Parent-Caregiver. These are issues that directly concern equality, dignity, and fairness,” the Commissioner said.

Antonijević emphasized that the protection of human rights requires close cooperation with institutions, primarily with the National Assembly, through monitoring legislation and oversight mechanisms, as well as with the Constitutional Court, whose decisions ultimately shape the protection of constitutional values, with local self-governments, where citizens most directly exercise their rights, and with state administration bodies and independent institutions.

“Of course, civil society is also here as our partner, closer to the citizens, especially in smaller communities, quicker in recognizing problems, and clearer in pointing to possible solutions.”

He added that the work of the institution is “often burdened by limited resources, both human and financial,” but that the support of the European Union, international organizations, and bilateral partners who share the values of human rights “represents an important foundation for strengthening institutional capacities and providing consistent support to citizens.”

Tolerance implies accepting even what we do not understand and what we do not agree with. I hope that, as a community, we will recognize the importance of fighting discrimination and the need to put an end to divisions, attacks on those who think differently, representatives of the media, and human rights defenders, Antonijević emphasized.

In conclusion, he stated that “strong and independent institutions are key to the protection of human rights,” and that as the newly elected Commissioner for the Protection of Equality, he has “opened the doors of the institution to all who wish to contribute to the advancement of equality, as well as to every citizen who believes they are being subjected to discrimination.”