E/C.12/SRB/CO/3

Serbia (CESCR 6 April 2022)

The Committee considered the third periodic report of Serbia1 at its 12th, 14th and 16th meetings, held on 21, 22 and 23 February 2022, and adopted the present concluding observations at its 30th meeting, held on 4 March 2022.

Concluding observations on the third periodic report of Serbia

C. Principal subjects of concern and recommendations

Non-discrimination

29. The Committee urges the State party to intensify its efforts to promote equality and combat discrimination against Roma and persons belonging to national minority groups, persons with disabilities, refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons. In particular, it recommends that the State party:

(a) Take the steps necessary to remove all discriminatory legal provisions and adopt the pending anti-discriminatory legislation without delay, and strengthen the enforcement of anti-discrimination legislation, with a view to ensuring the equal enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights in practice;

(b) Take measures necessary to ensure that public authorities conduct an equality test when preparing new regulations or policies that have impact on the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights by disadvantaged and marginalized individuals and groups, as provided for in the Law on Amendments to the Law on Prohibition of Discrimination;

(c) Enhance awareness and sensitization, including regarding online hate speech, among public officials and the public.