Tim za socijalno uključivanje i smanjenje siromaštva

Serbia made limited progress in 2016 in protecting human rights, stated the international organization Human Rights Watch (HRW), assessing that human rights are key for the progress of Balkans countries on their road towards the European Union. At the same time, the global human rights report by HRW is criticising the EU and its member states, saying they failed to show solidarity and leadership when confronted with challenges, in some cases compromising the values of fundamental human rights.

HRW states that the asylum system in Serbia is still faulty, while protection of unaccompanied children is inadequate. HRW states that Serbia has no procedures for the formal assessment of unaccompanied children, placing older children at risk of being treated as adults, instead of receiving protection as children.

HRW states that the Roma population is faced with discrimination and harassment in the field of housing, and that forced displacements of Roma persons from informal settlements continue, without adequately securing alternative housing.

The report states that the UN Committee for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities expressed deep concern due to the poor conditions in institutions housing children and adults with development disabilities.

Regarding the EU, HRW assessed that the Union and its member states, faced with numerous challenges in 2016, have compromised the values of fundamental human rights. “Faced with significant challenges in 2016, including migrations and Brexit, the governments of EU and institutions unfortunately failed regarding fundamental rights”, assessed Deputy Director of HRW for Europe and Central Asia Benjamin Ward. ‘The world needs human rights in the EU to return to the centre of political responses in 2017”, noted Ward.

HRW Director Kenneth Roth warned in the introduction that a new generation of authoritarian populists wishes to overturn the concept of human rights protection, treating them as an obstacle for achieving the will of the majority. For those feeling left aside by the global economy, in ever greater fear of violence, a key role in renewing the values democracy is founded on will be held by civil society, media and the public, said Roth.

Source: Beta, EurActiv.rs