The Commissioner for the Protection of Equality has submitted to the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia the sixteenth Regular Annual Report, which also represents the first report signed by the newly elected Commissioner, Milan Antonijević. The report provides a detailed analysis of the state of equality in Serbia, identifies key systemic obstacles, and proposes concrete steps for overcoming them.
In his introductory remarks, Commissioner Antonijević emphasized that he assumed office with full responsibility and determination to maintain the continuity of the institution, which, since its establishment, has been intensively working on the protection of citizens and the advancement of human rights, firmly believing that human rights are not only a legal obligation but also the foundation of a modern democratic society. The achievement of equality and the preservation of the dignity of all citizens represent a national interest of Serbia that can be attained exclusively through the joint work and cooperation of state authorities, local self-governments, the academic community, civil society, and the business sector, which is also part of our obligations undertaken as a member of the Council of Europe and a candidate country for membership in the European Union, Antonijević emphasized.
During the past year, the institution acted in 4,151 cases, including 939 complaints. The analysis shows that citizens most frequently reported discrimination based on age, health condition, income level, and disability, as well as on the grounds of sex, marital status, national affiliation, and due to political beliefs or membership in political and trade union organizations. The legal fight against discrimination also included three initiatives submitted to the Constitutional Court for the review of constitutionality, the initiation of two strategic litigations, as well as the submission of seven criminal complaints and one misdemeanor charge. A total of 837 recommendations of measures were issued to public authorities and other entities, 16 initiatives for amendments to regulations were submitted, and 20 opinions were provided on draft laws. Due to the alarming frequency of discriminatory statements and hate speech, including those involving certain public officials, the Commissioner responded with numerous warnings and statements.
In addition to the regular report, two key documents were submitted to the Assembly during 2025: the Special Report on Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities and the Special Report on Discrimination against Women. These documents indicate that, despite progress, unresolved issues remain in the areas of social and health protection, palliative care, access to education, and general physical accessibility.
Nevertheless, the data that recommendations issued by the Commissioner to public authorities were complied with in 89.2% of cases is encouraging, while the overall compliance rate for all issued opinions amounts to 85.1%. This trend confirms a clear willingness among social actors to contribute, through constructive dialogue and changes in practice, to the creation of a more inclusive and fairer society for every individual in Serbia.
As 2026 will be an election year, it is important that everyone contributes to an atmosphere of mutual respect, tolerance, and social dialogue. Among the institution’s priorities will be education, healthcare, labor and employment, and the preparation of a Special Report on the status and the exercise of the rights of national minorities in the Republic of Serbia is planned, as well as even more intensive work in local communities in order to ensure that protection against discrimination becomes more effective and accessible, Antonijević concluded.
