Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for Serbia, John Kennedy Mosoti, and the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality, Brankica Janković, signed a Memorandum of Understanding in order to continue cooperation in relation to protection against discrimination and promotion of equality, especially among social groups that are at greater risk of discrimination.
“This memorandum creates an excellent basis for our further joint efforts and represents the continuation of long-standing successful cooperation with the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality. Next year marks the 30th anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development Programme of Action. Therefore it is important that we jointly strengthen our efforts and work to create an environment in Serbia where all citizens can fulfill their full potential”, said John Kennedy Mosoti.

According to Brankica Janković, the cooperation of the Commissioner, as the central independent state institution responsible for protection against discrimination, and UNFPA will be realized through a series of activities.

“These activities will be implemented in order to improve the position of our older citizens, to whom we are committed at the national and local level, in order to educate and involve young people in combating discrimination through the network of peer educators of the Youth Panel, as well as to improve the rights of women and girls in the field of sexual and reproductive health and ending online violence through the bodyright campaign.

The fight for equality and respect for human rights concerns the whole society and must be placed highly on the list of priorities of public policies because society is only as strong as its weakest members,” Commissioner points out.
Every year, about 30 cases of femicide occur in Serbia, and according to available research, about 60% of women in Serbia experience some kind of violence from the age of 15.

Also, one out of every five women in Serbia uses modern contraception, and special efforts need to be invested in educating young people, the Roma population and other groups. Surveys show that 78% of female respondents feel unsafe in the virtual sphere, even though they spend more than three hours online daily.

On the other hand, every fifth person in Serbia is older than 65, with projections that in 2041 this share will increase to 24%. According to the results of the report on the position of older persons conducted by the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality with the support of UNFPA, more than half of older people in Serbia feel discriminated. Continuous action needs to be taken to promote and protect the rights of everyone while ensuring that no one is left behind.