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Statement by 12 international organizations and diplomatic missions in Serbia on the occasion of Belgrade Pride 2021

17 September 2021

International organizations and diplomatic missions in Serbia join hands with the LGBTQI+ community in Serbia under the banner “Love is Law” (Ljubav je zakon)

Belgrade, 17 September 2021 – On the occasion of the Belgrade Pride Parade 2021, international organizations and diplomatic missions* in Serbia join hands with the LGBTQI+ community in Serbia and beyond under the banner “Love is Law” (Ljubav je zakon). The organizations together express our support for the human rights, freedoms and equality of LGBTQI+ people as an essential part of our societies.

This year has seen major institutional efforts to advance the rights of LGBTQI+ people in Serbia, as the first Law on Same-Sex Unions has been drafted and discussed with wide participation of civil society, the LGBTQI+ community and senior political leaders. This is a significant step towards a transformative legislation that promotes and protects fundamental human rights of many people in the country, in addition to the realization of Serbia’s international commitments in the area of human rights. The final step in this process would be the prompt adoption of this law which would truly confirm the commitment of the Government and the society to human rights in all areas of life and to combating social stigma and discrimination faced by certain groups

We take this opportunity to welcome these efforts and reaffirm our commitment to equal rights and dignity for all. We stand side-by-side with the people of Serbia and its institutions in building and maintaining a strong and vibrant society, that accepts and protects diversity in all forms. It is only through common efforts and solidarity that human rights will prevail.

United Nations – Serbia

Council of Europe Office in Belgrade

British Embassy in Belgrade

Embassy of Belgium in Belgrade

Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Australian Embassy in Belgrade

U.S. Embassy Belgrade

Embassy of Denmark in Serbia

Embassy of Italy

Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany

Royal Norwegian Embassy in Belgrade

Embassy of Canada to Serbia, North Macedonia and Montenegro.