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05 June 2023
Serbia: UN expert alarmed by rise in hateful rhetoric after mass shootings
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03 June 2023
Urban Cycling Grows in Serbia as Cities Unite for International Bicycle Day 2023
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26 May 2023
New report on the human rights of youth in Serbia - numerous challenges in 2022 adversely affected the human rights and standards of youth
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The Sustainable Development Goals in Serbia
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Serbia:
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05 June 2023
Urban Cycling Grows in Serbia as Cities Unite for International Bicycle Day 2023
Belgrade, June 3, 2023 - On the observance of World Bicycle Day, UN Serbia, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Ulice za bicikliste Association, and KC Grad hosted a special edition of Critical Mass ride.
"Today's celebration of World Bicycle Day is a great opportunity to join in action and promote cycling as an excellent mode of urban transport for everyone – soft mobility is not just about recreational cycling. Together with Ulice za Bicikliste Association and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, we call for more cities to commit and create safer urban environments for all cycling citizens and pedestrians – including through dedicated infrastructure and traffic rules," said Françoise Jacob, UN Resident Coordinator in Serbia.
The Netherlands is one of the countries where cycling is a way of life, and on that occasion, Joost Reintjes, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Serbia, joined the ride - "Many cyclists who joined us today confirmed that many people are willing to use bicycles as a means of transport. The bicycle is healthy for people and the environment, it is a cheap means of transportation, and easy to park. It is a type of transport that is suitable for everyone regardless of age, lifestyle, or profession. "We hope that more cyclists on the streets will influence the traffic culture and better infrastructure," Reintjes added.
Zoran Bukvić from the Ulice za bicikliste Association emphasized that start of this year has passed in the struggle of bicycle organizations of Serbia to change Road traffic act and to implement Cycling strategy for the Republic of Serbia, in order to increase safety and better conditions for cycling in Serbia.This cooperation also resulted with forming a rooftop organization called Institute for urban mobility of Serbia, which is a network of cycling organizations from Bor, Novi Sad, Belgrade, Sremska Mitrovica, Zrenjanin, Smederevo, Loznica and Vrbas.
To achieve our goals, we see UN Serbia and Embassy of Kingdom of Netherlands as important allies in promoting of cycling as better way of life for all!
Hundreds of cyclists connected for a shared vision to promote cycling as an alternative mode of transport and foster the development of infrastructure to facilitate it. The cyclists journeyed through the historic parts of Belgrade to the business district of New Belgrade, with the aim of spreading the message on how cycling can be beneficial for citizens to commute to schools, universities, and for leisure.
Simultaneously, they encouraged employers to create an environment that encourages the use of bikes. As for city administrators, the event highlighted the importance of dedicating resources for the creation of dedicated bike lanes for future use.
The event concluded with the cycling community gathering at KC Grad for an open discussion centered around the activities of the day.
In addition, Novi Sad and Sremska Mitrovica joined the occasion, stressing the value of teaching children on the culture of biking and environmental consciousness at an early age.
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05 June 2023
New report on the human rights of youth in Serbia - numerous challenges in 2022 adversely affected the human rights and standards of youth
Belgrade, May 26, 2023 - The Belgrade Center for Human Rights, with the support of the United Nations Human Rights Team (OHCHR), today presented the report "Human Rights of Youth in the Republic of Serbia in 2022." The report presented shows that numerous challenges in 2022 had a significantly adverse impact on the realization of the human rights of youth in Serbia, particularly in terms of the right to adequate housing and the right to decent income. Internal and global social, political, and economic circumstances have led to a drastic increase in rent prices and inflation, resulting in a deterioration of the living standards of youth in Serbia. The report on the human rights of youth extensively addresses the realization of the right to health, with a focus on mental health.
"Young people in Serbia have the right to live in a safe, peaceful, inclusive society that nurtures a culture of dialogue and tolerance. This year, as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we will continue to address the challenges that young people face in achieving a prosperous and fulfilling life in Serbia. Young people can significantly contribute to the sustainable development of their communities and become powerful agents of change," said Francoise Jacob, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Serbia.
Minister for Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue, Tomislav Žigmanov, emphasized that youth are the future of any society, and therefore, it is crucial for all of us to take care and do everything in our power to create conditions for their personalities and potentials to develop freely in the fullness of a humane vision of the world.
"We must think about their health, education, economic rights, as well as cultural development and respect for differences. In doing so, we must involve young people not only in the processes of policy-making and measures that directly concern them but in all issues and areas, because the goals we set today will be fulfilled by them tomorrow, and on their basis, new goals and visions will be created," Minister Žigmanov emphasized.
The report's editor and coordinator of the Youth Program at the Belgrade Center for Human Rights, Nevena Trofymenko, pointed out that young people in Serbia are burdened by housing costs, spending over 40% of their household budget on rent or mortgage payments. She also highlighted that precarity in the rental sector, as well as in the labor market, represents a particular burden for young people.
"A significant share of young people in all three age groups - 41.1% in the 15-19 age group, 31.6% in the 20-24 age group, and 24.0% in the 25-29 age group - receives up to 110% of the minimum wage. The unaffordability of obtaining housing is a significant problem because more than 80% of people in Serbia cannot afford to buy or rent a property on the market. This results in young people in Serbia achieving independence at a late age and staying in their parents' home for a long time. The average age for young people to achieve independence in Serbia is 31.5 years, with women at 28.4 and men at 33.7, while the EU average is 26.2 years," she explained.
The report also addresses the realization of the right to health for young people, highlighting their experiences in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, which revealed their lack of trust in the messages coming from healthcare institutions. It also emphasizes the need for discussions on mental health to be led by relevant experts, based on scientific evidence, and the necessity for decision-makers to listen and hear the needs and concerns of young people. The report on the human rights of youth also highlights particularly vulnerable and marginalized groups within the youth population, including rural youth, young Roma, and young LGBTI individuals.
This is the fourth annual report on the human rights of youth, which represents the result of continuous monitoring of the realization of the human rights of youth in the Republic of Serbia by the team of the Belgrade Center for Human Rights, which began in 2019. Since then, the team of authors has been monitoring and analyzing the protection and realization of the human rights of youth in our country.
The full report "Human Rights of Youth in the Republic of Serbia in 2022" with all findings is available HERE.
The research and publication of the Report on the Human Rights of Youth in the Republic of Serbia in 2022 were carried out with the support of the United Nations Human Rights Team in Serbia.
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31 May 2023
Joint UN Programme PRO Starts Implementation
Belgrade, 25 May 2023 - Programme “PRO - Local Governance for People and Nature” started implementing activities that will result in enhancing local governance, social inclusion, and environmental protection, hence improving the quality of life for citizens in 99 towns and municipalities in Šumadija, Western, Eastern and Southern Serbia. The programme is jointly implemented by United Nations agencies in Serbia - UNOPS, UNICEF, UNFPA and UNEP, in cooperation with the Serbian Government, and is financially supported by the Government of Switzerland.
At the PRO Programme launch event, the Minister of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs Nikola Selaković emphasised that the project is geared to specifically assist social inclusion of those in need, ensuring that our society is inclusive and equally open for all.
"One of the priorities of the Ministry is to develop social protection services in the local communities, empower vulnerable individuals and families, but also arrange their social inclusion in those communities. PRO Programme focuses on supporting local-governments in the social inclusion process and I am confident it will contribute to enhancing the quality of life of Serbian citizens", Minister Selaković said.
With financial support from the Swiss Government in total value of 9 million Euros and co-funding from UN agencies weighing in with an additional 1 million Euros, PRO Programme will implement its activities of capacity building, technical assistance and grant provision for local self-governments and civil society organisation projects, until the end of 2026.
“This innovative programme was created together with the Serbian government, local partners and four UN agencies, to address citizens’ needs at local level in three priority areas. I would like to thank all partners for their active participation in preparing this ambitious and highly relevant intervention that represents the flagship activity of the Swiss cooperation programme for Serbia", Head of Cooperation of the Embassy of Switzerland Richard Kohli said.
UN Resident Coordinator in Serbia Francoise Jacob stated that the aim of this programme is to offer solutions for marginalised groups to enhance their access to services. She added that most of Agenda 2030 deals with combating the triple planetary crisis - specifically pollution, climate change, and loss of biodiversity.
"This programme is a direct response to the needs of those coming from the most vulnerable and marginalised communities. With our combined efforts and unwavering support from the governments of Serbia and Switzerland, we can directly impact and improve the daily lives of the Serbian population through enhanced local governance, inclusion, and social services. The programme also deals with environmental protection, thereby enhancing the quality of life and well-being of the Serbian population", Jacob concluded.
A total of 99 towns and municipalities in Šumadija, Western, Eastern and Southern Serbia will be eligible for support from the PRO Programme. According to Assistant Minister of Public Administration and Local Self-Government Mila Stanković, concrete results are planned through local self-government units’ capacity building, improvements in electronic services and open data, strengthening local civil society organisations and higher youth participation in the Green Agenda.
“Administrative and municipal services, and services in the fields of education and social protection are services of highest priority in terms of their assessment from the standpoint of citizen satisfaction at local level. A survey on levels of the citizens’ satisfaction with services at the local level will be conducted as part of the PRO Programme. We are conducting this survey so we can use its results to support local self-governments to strengthen and reinforce areas that citizens identified as those in need of improvement," Stanković announced.
State Secretary at the Ministry of Environmental Protection Sandra Dokić also addressed the participants at the PRO Programme launch ceremony. She highlighted how local level capacity building and inclusion of vulnerable groups are crucial to reduce air pollution and improve management of waste and waste waters.
"The PRO Programme can help us include informal waste pickers in legal frameworks precisely through social enterprises that we see as showing extremely high potential for the future. The Ministry looks at informal waste pickers from two aspects - on the one hand, they actually contribute to improving environmental protection, and on the other hand it is extremely important that they have adequate protection as vulnerable groups and exercise all other rights," Dokić said.
Part of the Swiss donor funding has been earmarked for implementation of activities complementary to a major solid waste management project implemented by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and financially supported by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the French Development Agency (AFD).
“Supporting vulnerable groups, especially informal waste pickers, was recognized as an opportunity to achieve synergies and establish a partnership between the EBRD and AFD with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, as well as to cooperate with UN agencies through the PRO Programme. This cooperation is of great importance to us”, Associate Director at the EBRD in Serbia Jelena Čeperković said.
The event was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Family Welfare and Demography, Ministry of Tourism and Youth, National Academy of Public Administration, Republic Institute for Social Protection, Environmental Protection Agency, Commissioner for the Protection of Equality, Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities, Embassy of Sweden, UNDP, UN Women, Helvetas, GIZ, NIRAS, as well as a number of media outlets.
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Story
31 May 2023
Support from a compatriot makes it easier for an Iraqi asylum-seeker to integrate into his new environment in Serbia
Twenty refugees and asylum-seekers from all over the world volunteered to distribute water to the runners in 36th Belgrade Marathon on 23 April. All of them were all special in their own way. But one of them was more special than others. Meet Diar – he believes he may be eighteen years old, but he is not sure since his date of birth is unknown. During the Marathon, he used crutches to keep him standing in the heat while handing out water bottles.
Diar [“eyesight” in Kurdish] arrived in Serbia from Iraq in early November. Not long after the arrival, he suffered major injuries when he was hit by a train, one night while talking to his mother on the phone. He shrugs his shoulders when he recants the story of his ordeal and simply says “I did not see the train coming”. Then he adds: “But I am ok now. I spent almost four months in the hospital, lost a leg, lost my spleen, broke some ribs, then suffered from appendicitis.” Finally, after many months, Diar found some peace, home, care and support in a Shelter for Children and Youth without Parental Care run by Jesuit Refugee Service on the outskirts of Belgrade.
In the meantime, Diar has decided to remain in Serbia and has officially applied for asylum. His biggest challenge, apart from his disability, is his current loneliness and isolation that stems from the fact that he speaks only Kurdish. For communication and getting to know about his new environment Diar relies on a sole compatriot in Belgrade who has meanwhile received international protection and a local nickname – “Boki”. Boki visits Diar once a week and spends a couple of hours with him chatting away in Kurdish. It becomes apparent through the conversation that Diar has never attended formal schooling and is semi-literate even in his mother tongue. When asked if he would not mind a local nickname too – maybe “Vid” which is the Serbian translation of his Kurdish name, Diar seems to like the idea.
Everything we know about Diar is thanks to his interpreter Boki whose real name is Karoh Pishtewan. Karoh was 16 years old when he arrived in Serbia in 2017, also from Iraq. His application for asylum in Serbia was accepted one day short of his 18th birthday. He currently works in a cafe in Belgrade, which he credits as key in his learning the local language and successful integration in the society. He quickly advanced in his career and now speaks fluent Serbian.
Diar looks forward to weekly visits by Karoh, for he can finally communicate in his mother tongue without major difficulties. Karoh often takes Diar out to play billiards and has introduced him to his friends and colleagues. Half-jokingly, Karoh says to Diar that his language skills would advance significantly if he were to meet a Serbian girl, which makes Diar blush instantly. Karoh’s intent to help his compatriot is very pronounced for he experienced similar difficulties only a few years back. Diar looks up to his friend and wishes to follow in his footsteps, in order to fulfil his goals and dreams as part of the Serbian society.
Serbian might just become the first language that Diar acquires the ability to read in, for he was proud to inform that he had just started learning it with the help of a teacher from the shelter, and “she tells him that he is doing well”. His sole friend and role model Karoh/Boki insists that Diar must not give up learning Serbian, for this will “open new doors for him”, he can start school. He might even join Karoh in working in a cool social café in downtown Belgrade once he is able to communicate with the locals a bit more and use the public transport.
Diar is eager to get out of the shelter more and to socialise, to work, to help, as he did in the Belgrade Marathon. His biggest hope is that the prosthetic leg which he will receive through the State health insurance scheme is coming sooner rather than later, since he will then be able to navigate the slopes and the hills of Belgrade’s old town, and hopefully play soccer again when he makes new friends. In a nutshell, Diar wants to belong..
Written by Vera Dragović-O’Donnell, Lidija Lazarević
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Story
31 May 2023
12 families moved into social housing in Čačak with the support of the European Union
Within the “European Union Support for Social Housing and Active Inclusion” funded by the EU and implemented by UNOPS in Serbia, 12 families have moved into a newly built building for social housing in the Čačak. Within the grant "Leaving no one behind" awarded to the City of Čačak, fully furnished and equipped apartments were provided to families from the most vulnerable social groups.
The keys to the new apartments were handed over by the envoy of the President of Serbia Suzana Paunović, the mayor of Čačak Milun Todorović, the Ambassador of the European Union in Serbia Emanuele Giaufret, the Minister for European Integration Tanja Miščević, the Minister of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs Nikola Selaković, the Minister of Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue Tomislav Žigmanov and the Assistant Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure Dušan Radonjić.
Mayor Todorović opened the event by saying that it is a great success that after two years of hard and persistent work and great support from the EU, we are here to hand over the keys to 12 families through the "Leaving No One Behind" project.
"The value of the project is EUR 1,410,000, of which EUR 1,209,000 was donated by the EU, and the City of Čačak participated with EUR 201,000. We worked together with the EU to provide furniture for apartments and houses and for beneficiaries to finally be safe and secure for a minimal monthly rent. I wish them to enjoy their homes and to know that their city and their country are here to support them. I want us to continue this kind of cooperation with the EU and to be aware at this moment how important it is that Serbia should stay on the European path,'' concluded Todorović.
"Diversity is a fact, while social inclusion is a matter of choice. Today we see the result of our joint choice that we leave no one behind", said Ambassador Giaufret, and emphasized that the move of 12 families into their new apartments is a clear and tangible result of the joint effort of the EU, the City of Čačak and the Government of Serbia to support equality, solidarity, tolerance, and inclusion. "I believe that housing is only the first step in ensuring a better life. That is why this project envisages that particularly vulnerable groups acquire knowledge and skills that will enable them to have a quality life and inclusion in society."
Minister for European Integration Tanja Mišćević pointed out that moving into apartments marks the beginning of a new, happier life for families. "Our engagement to build a better society does not end there, and European integration enables us to grow the infrastructure that is necessary for a better life and a better standard."
Minister Selaković pointed out that it is a "great project" that includes not only a roof over one’s head but also inclusion in society. "That is why it is important to continue with inclusion, to strengthen the standard, for people to find a job, to be trained, to acquire the knowledge necessary for the labour market and to find a job".
"At most of the gatherings I have attended, best practice examples, prevention measures to address all forms of discrimination, various affirmative measures, the application of international human rights standards, as well as all applications related to the prevention of recognition and removal of all possible stereotypes, have been shown. But I can point out that this kind of gathering is one of my favourites. Because when you approach someone in this way, you really give them a chance for a new life", said Minister Žigmanov.
Assistant Minister Dušan Radonjić thanked the European Union for its help and pointed out that he is proud that his Ministry is a partner in this project because there are 12 apartments in Čačak, in which women victims of domestic violence, young people without parents, people with disabilities and members of the Roma national minority will move - a proof that in EU-Serbia relations, solidarity does not remain just a political or philosophical concept, but materialises in reality.
The UNOPS Serbia Multi-Country Office Director, Michela Telatin, pointed out that sustainable housing solutions are the result of sincere cooperation and engagement of all actors.
''I’m very happy to witness today moving in of these 12 families into a newly constructed social housing building. A home is a place where we feel safe, protected from the potential outside perils, where we rest but also work hard to plan and achieve a more prosperous future. That is why today we are happy to be a part of a huge step in making better lives of our beneficiaries and to continuously support the Serbian national and local institutions and the European Union in delivering a more promising and hopeful future for those in need”, UNOPS RSMCO Director said.
One of the project beneficiaries, Žarko Džambasević thanked everyone on behalf of 12 families.
“Today, I am here with my wife and our son, so moving into our new home is one step which will ensure our better life, maybe even to have another child soon. We hope that with this support, all of us will have a better future,” Džambasević said.
The project "Leaving no one behind" is implemented as part of the "European Union Support for Social Housing and Active Inclusion" Programme, for which the EU allocated 27 million euros, and which, in addition to Čačak, is implemented in 21 other cities and municipalities.
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Press Release
06 June 2023
Serbia: UN expert alarmed by rise in hateful rhetoric after mass shootings
“The shootings have traumatised the entire country,” said Irene Khan, UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression. “It is unconscionable to use this tragedy as yet another occasion to stir up hatred, demonising and vilifying independent media, human rights defenders, political opponents and others critical of the government.”
Khan noted that thousands of people took to the streets to demand accountability for the crimes committed, better arms control, and robust action against “hate speech” and incitement to hatred and violence in tabloid media.
“Rather than promoting justice and accountability, recent speeches – including by members of the Government – appear to have encouraged harassment and even physical attacks against opposition politicians, journalists and activists,” said Khan.
During her official visit to Serbia in April, Khan had expressed serious concerns about the tabloid press and populist media outlets promoting and amplifying toxic statements by politicians and public officials, and the failure of the media regulatory body to take action against the media.
“Freedom of expression is a fundamental right that must be protected at all times but international law is clear that it is not a license to harass, intimidate or threaten critical voices,” said Khan.
“The current climate of political discourse in Serbia is deeply disturbing. The Government of Serbia must immediately investigate and sanction intimidation, threats and incitement to violence, especially by government officials, and ensure that all institutions and organs of the State follow the United Nations guidelines on combating hate speech while upholding freedom of expression,” said Khan.
ENDS
*Ms. Irene Khan was appointed UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression on 17 July 2020. Ms. Khan is the first woman to hold this position since the establishment of the mandate in 1993. She teaches at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva and was previously Secretary General of Amnesty International from 2001 to 2009 and Director General of the International Development Law Organization (IDLO) from 2012 to 2019.
The Special Rapporteurs are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is the general name of the Council’s independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. Special Procedures’ experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent from any government or organization and serve in their individual capacity.
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Press Release
05 June 2023
Ministry of Defence of Serbia Completes First Gender Coach Programme
The programme was implemented through six one-on-one monthly sessions encompassing a wide array of topics related to gender in the military. It covered the basic concepts of gender equality and gender-based discrimination with examples from the military context. The programme also enabled discussion about the data contained in regional knowledge tools developed by Ministries of Defence in the Western Balkans with support of SEESAC: the 2nd Regional Study on The Position of Women in the Armed Forces in the Western Balkans and the Regional Handbook for Combating Gender-Based Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, and Abuse as well as the findings of the Regional Youth Perception Survey on how to integrate the gender perspective in recruitment policies. Finally, the programme included information and examples on integrating gender in military education and training.
This tailored coaching programme builds on the results of a similar programme implemented in the Swedish Armed Forces since 2007 and the results and experience with the Gender Coaching Programme delivered by SEESAC in the Western Balkans. In the past three years, five high-level officials completed the basic Gender Coach Programme – one from Bosnia and Herzegovina, three from Montenegro and one from North Macedonia, while one official started with the advanced Gender Coach Programme in Montenegro.
High-ranking officials who successfully finish the programme are equipped to play a pivotal role in advancing gender equality within their ministry and armed forces through capacity development, relationship building, as well as increased knowledge and awareness of gender perspectives in the military.
This programme is organised within the scope of the second phase of SEESAC’s project financed by the Governments of Norway and the Slovak Republic Strengthening of Regional Cooperation on Gender Mainstreaming in Security Sector Reform in the Western Balkans, which provides support for mainstreaming gender in the security sector reform, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Agenda 2030 and United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security.
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Press Release
05 June 2023
Mitigating the impacts of climate change in Serbian agriculture
To answer this question the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) brought together representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of Serbia, academia, advisory services, and farmers at this year’s agricultural fair in Novi Sad, to share their expertise and knowledge. Participants identified ten actions and steps that could be taken to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change and increase competitiveness of the sector:
1. Strengthening multisectoral cooperation
Through joint and coordinated work, competent ministries, local self-governments, academia, research institutions, farmers and advisory services can help develop comprehensive resilience strategies and find solutions for sustainable rural development and implementation of measures adapted to the local level, for strengthening agricultural resilience.
2. Incorporating practical training and education
Practical training and knowledge-sharing programs can equip students and farmers, but also decision-makers, with the necessary skills and techniques to adapt to climate change and implement sustainable practices on their farms.
3. Establishing appropriate support mechanisms
Developing tailored financial and technical support mechanisms on the local level, helps farmers access all the necessary resources and advisory services, which in turn enhances their capacity to cope with climate change.
4. Investing in climate smart agriculture
Allocating resources to support climate-smart agricultural practices, such as precision agriculture, agroecology and efficient technologies for irrigation and protection of crops from natural disasters, enables farmers to mitigate climate risks, increase productivity and reduce the negative impact on the environment.
5. Building resilient infrastructure
Maintaining existing and building new infrastructure, such as drainage and irrigation canals, hydroaccumulation, agricultural roads, can reduce the risks of natural disasters such as floods and drought.
6. Addressing soil degradation
Physical, chemical and biological soil degradation leads to a decrease in infiltration and retention of water and a decrease in soil fertility. Proper processing, adequate application of fertilizers and protection products, balanced irrigation regime, preserve the foundation of agriculture and ensure sustainable production and food safety.
7. Highlighting the importance of adequate production conditions
Recognizing the needs of plants and animals and providing advice on optimal growing conditions, including proper water management, access to quality production materials, and regular pest and disease control, enables farmers to maintain productivity despite the negative impact of climate change.
8. Providing support to farmers’ organizations
Strengthening farmers' organizations and empowering farmers to collectively adapt to climate change and enable easier access to information, better resource management and allocation, and create new market opportunities.
9. Introducing the issue of climate change into the legal framework
Integrating climate change considerations into agricultural policies, regulations, and legal frameworks ensures a systematic approach to address climate risks and provides a framework for sustainable agricultural practices.
10. Leading by example
Governments, institutions, and influential partners can set an example by implementing sustainable agricultural practices, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting climate resilience, inspiring others, and driving wider adoption of climate-friendly practices across the agricultural sector.
The panel discussion was organized as a part of the project “Strengthening disaster resilience in agriculture”, funded by the European Union and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of Serbia.
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Press Release
30 May 2023
Bodyright continues
Therefore, the UNFPA initiated the bodyright campaign to raise awareness about the widespread technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) and its consequences. It also urges decision-makers, tech companies, and all relevant stakeholders to improve the protection mechanisms and support systems.
Research shows TFGBV affects all countries worldwide and that 85% of women have experienced or witnessed online violence perpetrated against other women. In comparison, 57% of women have had their videos or images online abused or misused. Furthermore, the latest research in Serbia showed that more than 78% of young girls in Serbia do not feel safe in online space even though they spend at least 3 hours per day online. Also, more than 74% of girls that participated in the research said that they have never been a part of any awareness-raising campaign on technology-facilitated gender-based violence. This information indicates that youth in Serbia does not have sufficient information on forms of TFGBV, on ways they can protect themselves, and who can support them if they have to face it, even though many forms of TFGBV are still not formally recognized.
The bodyright campaign was launched in Serbia in November 2022. The same year, UNFPA in Serbia localized a youth-friendly and gender-sensitive glossary on TFGBV. The glossary in Serbian tries to resolve terminological inconsistencies.
As a continuation of the bodyright campaign, UNFPA and the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality implemented the first Training of Trainer program for peer-to-peer youth education for selected youth groups.
After the Training of Trainers, participants will be mentored to implement some form of peer-to-peer educational activity on TFGBV and protection mechanisms in up to 6 municipalities in Serbia.
During May 2023, the first local workshops on bodyright will be held in Vranje, Bujanovac, and Kragujevac.
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Press Release
30 May 2023
UNICEF: Supporting institutions in their efforts to respond to the aftermath of violent incidents which have rocked Serbia in the last two weeks
By fostering partnerships and leveraging its global expertise, UNICEF has been providing the necessary knowledge, resources, strategies, and guidance to effectively prevent and address violence, and to ensure the safety and well-being of children affected by these tragedies.
In addition to addressing the consequences of these tragic events, UNICEF is helping all relevant actors in strengthening prevention efforts to combat violence among and against children, and in creating safe environments for children.
Moreover, UNICEF is also focusing on addressing mental health issues in children and youth. Recognizing the significant impact of mental health on children and adolescents, UNICEF is undertaking intensive work to raise awareness, advocate for policies and access to quality trauma informed mental health services, comprehensive support, and nurturing environments that promote their psychological well-being and resilience.
In the last two weeks UNICEF has:
Provided support to the Vladislav Ribnikar Primary School by supplying counselling session materials.
Developed psychosocial information materials for teachers, parents and children which were distributed to all affected schools in first days following the tragedy and then shared with all schools across Serbia.
Distributed Recommendations to the Media for Reporting About Mass Shootings.
Brought together expert support service providers during the first phase of the response, and organized discussions for mid-term and long-term assistance.
Supported the Institute of Mental Health to provide first response support.
Organized the Response to Crisis and Traumatic Situations webinar for education advisors, education inspectors and advisor-external associates. This was the first in a series of webinars that will be organized to support education staff and parents.
Provided, and continue to provide, expert support to the newly established working groups in strengthening prevention efforts to combat violence among and against children and creating safe environments for children, as well as addressing mental health issues in children and youth.
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27 March 2023
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