UN in Serbia: Ban of Europride2022 in Belgrade would be a step back from social cohesion and the full realisation of the human rights agenda

The Europride, including its multiple events, is an opportunity to advance the human rights of the LGBT community, and fully implement the anti-discrimination agenda as defined in the amended Law of the prohibition of discrimination adopted in Serbia in 2021, says Francoise Jacob, UN Resident Coordinator in Serbia. The Europride is also an opportunity to celebrate the foundations of a strong and progressive society based on social equity, equality of all rights, solidarity, friendship, and love. Such ban would also represent a violation of the right to freedom of assembly as guaranteed by the Serbian Constitution - as ruled by the Serbian Constitutional court in previous years. It would go against Serbia’s international human rights commitments, including the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights.

It is important to protect human dignity and guarantee equality for all citizens in the laws and in practice. The United nations is concerned by the multiple incitements to hate and violence from a small minority of vocal individuals and groups, which has taken place in the past few weeks. Let’s bring people together, not take them apart. The United Nations in Serbia will continue to work with the LGBTI community and our partners to help build a better future for all, and shape a world where everyone is Free & Equal.