Statement by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights at the Conclusion of His Visit to Serbia

Dobar dan,

And thank you all for coming.

My visit to Serbia is part of a long and solid cooperation between the UN Human Rights Office and the country. I am grateful to the Government for having facilitated this visit, and for the important meetings yesterday and today with the authorities, with parliamentarians, with independent institutions, civil society, university students and other partners.

I appreciate the Government’s engagement with my Office and with UN human rights mechanisms. Serbia has ratified almost all international human rights treaties and recently acceded to the Optional Protocol of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. I also welcome the adoption by the Government of the Leave No One Behind guidance tool that is meant to influence legislative and policy processes. But it is also very important to move forward and to guarantee a meaningful participation of all relevant stakeholders in the legislative processes. The national human rights mechanisms and the independence of the judiciary also need to be strengthened.

For more than six months, Serbia has been witnessing a wave of protests mainly led by students, calling for transparency and accountability for the tragic incident at Novi Sad’s railway station on 1 November of last year. The students’ demands also include fighting corruption, the release of those who were detained for taking part in peaceful protests, accountability for attacks against demonstrators, and an increase in the budget for higher education.

Today at the University of Belgrade, I had a chance to meet with students and their professors. I was impressed by the energy and by the enthusiasm of these young people. They have expressed a strong desire to me for a free and democratic society, and a thirst for human rights. Their voices need to be heard and respected.

Societies thrive when there is an open, free and inclusive space for dialogue, where challenges can be discussed safely, when divergent opinions can be expressed freely, when criticism can be expressed without fear of reprisals, and when the vilification of critical voices is consigned to the past.

Freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly are fundamental to society – particularly when there is sharp disagreement on major issues. A solution needs to be found so that the exercise of these freedoms is not pitted against the right to education.

During my visit, I was struck by the level of profound polarisation and division within society, and by the lack of trust in State institutions and political actors. This highlights the need for the renewal of the social contract. Trust can only be gained through confidence-building measures, an open mind, and a self-critical reflection by everyone.

I have urged the Government to ensure transparency and carry out prompt and thorough investigations into the Novi Sad tragedy, as well as into all allegations of violence against peaceful protesters. I have also expressed the readiness of my Office to carry out a fact-finding mission into the incidents surrounding the demonstration on 15 March. Nonetheless, it is encouraging to see that the recent protests have been mostly peaceful.

My Office has received reports of raids, verbal attacks, harassment, intimidation, arbitrary arrests, threats and smear campaigns directed against human rights defenders and media workers. We have also received reports about unlawful digital surveillance and lawsuits being used to intimidate, with a chilling effect. These are obviously concerns that need to be taken seriously and addressed.

I am concerned about a rise in hate speech, both online and in traditional media outlets. Women, Roma and other communities, as well as LGBTIQ+ people and journalists, are particularly targeted. And sometimes, even politicians and high-level officials engage in hateful rhetoric. Vilifying and stigmatising those who exercise their human rights and defend them can only lead to deeper polarisation and fear.

It is crucial to address the root causes of discrimination and marginalisation against all ethnic and national minorities. The Roma community still suffers from high poverty rates, exclusion, and limited access to healthcare, education, employment and basic services. This is unfortunately a phenomenon we see in many countries in Europe. Existing anti-discrimination policies need to be reinforced, with systematic collection of disaggregated data to help monitor and combat discrimination.

Gender backlash is a global phenomenon, which also manifests itself in Serbia. It is expressed through the recent suspension of the gender equality law, misogynistic narratives and attacks, notably against women in the public sphere, as well as gender-based violence, including femicide. People with disabilities also suffer from discrimination. Their rights need to be guaranteed, both in laws and in their application.

Serbia is part of a region that has suffered greatly as a result of war and conflict. Serbians have shown willingness to advance and rebuild a nation based on equality and human rights. Transitional justice is an important pillar in this process.

More is needed in this regard. Accountability for serious violations of international humanitarian law committed during the 1990s remains a major challenge. A number of criminal cases are still under investigation, with limited and often slow judicial proceedings. Most convictions involve low-ranking officials, while cross-border judicial cooperation and information sharing are still weak.

Serbia also lacks a legal framework to recognise the status of missing people and the rights of their families. And victims’ access to justice and reparations remains inadequate.

Memorialisation is an essential part of the healing process. The denial of war crimes and glorification of war criminals are the opposite. Without genuine transitional justice, including truth and reconciliation, wounds of the past will remain open.

I also had discussions with the authorities regarding the human rights situation in Kosovo, particularly with respect to non-majority communities. I am aware of the situation, and my Office will continue to work on it. I am committed to follow up personally.

During the visit, I was touched by the resilience of people I met, as well as their desire and willingness to advance human rights in the country. They have my full solidarity and support.

Thank you.