TEN YEARS OF NETWORK COMMITTIEE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS IN SERBIA CHRIS
01.09.2010-01.09.2010.

Since the democratic changes 2000th the Serbia is making efforts to strengthen its democratic potential and create a social system based on the rule of law and respect for human rights and freedoms. The fact is that Serbia in the past 10 years has made progress in the realization of human rights which is evident in the normative part of the law-making and practical part of their application.

However, Serbia has not yet reached a level of respect for human rights and freedoms befitting a country that is a member of the Council of Europe. Despite the European Convention on Human Rights and other documents binding the state of Serbia, the authorities, courts and prosecutors offices to some extent their acts or omissions are leading to a breach of the provisions of these international documents. The judiciary, which has a key role in achieving the rule of law and achieving justice is faced with reforms that are being implemented for many years without satisfactory results and, as such, remains unstable link of a state.

This situation is also transfered on the non/functioning of the institutions responsible for protecting human rights. It is still insufficient realization and protection of the rights of particularly vulnerable groups - people with disabilities, children, women, persons belonging to national minorities - especially the Roma, persons deprived of their liberty, refugees and displaced persons, members of sexual and religious minorities, including foreigners, and that generally does not causes sufficient media attention, and with that attention of general public, until it goes to the drastic proportions. And then it often happens that people do not raise their voice in defense and protection of human rights of its citizens. Finaly, the whole situation that affects a large number of individuals whose human rights and freedoms are endangered decides to keep silent about it.

Therefore, today, 2010. The CHRIS Network can't assess the satisfactory level of respect for the rights of citizens and the relationship of the state towards the citizens and their rights in general. Virtually guaranteed the realization of human rights in everyday life and effective measures against those who violate those rights should be a priority task of government and other public authorities. The human rights situation in the country are the main indicator of the progress of social civilization and the state system. Successful implementation and maintenance of these systems can be achieved only through continuous reform and improvement of the existing legal environment, as well as raising awareness of the general public about the lack of alternatives to the rule of law and respect for human rights for the sake of prosperity and progress of Serbia. This situation in the country highlights the need for the existence and strengthening of organizations dealing with human rights. Network CHRIS will continue with all individuals, organizations and institutions that have in these ten years supported its activities strengthen the rule of law and respect for human rights and freedoms as the foundation of an open democratic society.

Additional information - Suzana Ilijev, Media Coordinator, Network CHRIS
Dragan Djordjevic, Coordinator, Network CHRIS

Tel/faks: 018 526232; 018 526233
E-mail: suzana.ilijev@chris-network.org
dragan.djordjevic@chris-network.org
Website: www.chris-network.org
Niš, Obrenovica bb, TPC Kalca LAM-B-II-39

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