History has recorded, especially in Europe and in this region that it is not sufficient to proclaim human rights, but that it is also necessary to fight for and protect them, said Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia Michael Davenport addressing the conference held on the occasion of International Human Rights Day. He said that the EU Delegation would continue to support projects in the field of promotion and protection of human rights.
“Pre-condition for the full exercise and proper protection is the existence of the efficient legal system, meaning both, legislative and institutional framework. Having said that, I include not only good, up to standards pieces of legislation, or the necessity of the existence of modern, citizen-oriented administration, and independent, efficient and impartial judiciary, but also independent bodies, responsible for monitoring of the exercise and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms,” Davenport said.
He congratulated Serbia on efforts and achievements made in that area so far.
“Serbia has ratified a large number of human rights international instruments, built solid constitutional and legal basis, created the Office for Human and Minority Rights, introduced independent bodies such as Ombudsman, Equality Commissioner, Commissioner for Information of Public Importance and Personal Data Protection into the legal system,” Davenport said.
“However, we have to remain vigilant. Only a few days ago, we all witnessed incident when an ultra-right group openly used hate speech against Roma. While I would like to praise the swift reaction of competent authorities unfortunately, this is not an isolated case,” he said.
“We all remember several cases this year such as call for lynch of members of NGO Women in black, the creation of list of “Serb-haters”, death threats directed to members of an LGBT NGO. These cases are signal that we still have to do more to ensure that respect of human rights, fundamental freedoms and equality are deeply rooted and became a part of everyday life of its citizens,” Davenport added.
“This is challenging and demanding task which requires strong state institutions, but also their cooperation and synergy with the independent bodies and civil organisations and many efforts in terms of education and raising awareness,” he said.
Davenport reminded that the EU Delegation would continue to support Serbia in the area of promotion and protection of human rights.
“We should initiate very soon a twinning project for the Office for human and minority rights with the Member States of Austria and Slovenia. We will also continue to support civil society organisations working in this field through our mechanisms of the Civil society facility and the EIDHR,” said EU Ambassador to Serbia.
