UN Rights Chief Commends Serbian Progress, Outlines Weaknesses

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay (file photo)

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay has welcomed Serbia's progress on human rights issues but also outlined areas where more needed to be done.

In a statement on June 18 after her first official visit to the country, Pillay said Serbia has adopted "a strong and fundamentally sound body" of laws and standards relating to human rights.

She noted that Serbia's progress has been recognized in a human rights evaluation in January.

She also noted there are still problems concerning the rights of the Roma, the gay community, and persons with disabilities.

She called on authorities at all levels to promote human rights for all people, irrespective of their nationality, origin, gender identity, or social status.

Pillay met on June 17 in Belgrade with Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic and Prime Minister Ivica Dacic.

With reporting by B92