2022-11-04

Conference: Platform of Organisations for Cooperation with UN Human Rights Mechanisms

Universal Periodic Review (UPR): A Discussion on the Fulfilment of the Recommendations Addressed to Serbia after the Third Cycle

On 4 November 2022, the Platform of Organisations for Cooperation with UN Human Rights Mechanisms organised the following conference: Universal Periodic Review (UPR): A Discussion on the Fulfilment of the Recommendations Addressed to Serbia after the Third Cycle.

The alternative Universal Periodic Review (UPR) prepared by the Platform of Organisations for Cooperation with UN Human Rights Mechanisms was presented during the conference, as was an analysis of a public opinion poll conducted on the state of human rights in Serbia.

In separate sessions, under clusters formed as part of the Platform, the fulfilment of recommendations in the following areas were discussed: civil and political rights; gender equality and gender-based violence; economic and social rights; prevention of torture; rights of persons with disabilities; migrants, asylum seekers and refugees’ rights; LGBTQ rights; child rights.

Secretary General of the Center for Democracy Foundation, Nataša Vučković spoke during the following panel session: Fulfilment of the Recommendations Pertaining to Economic and Social Rights with Particular Focus on the Recommendations Provided in the Alternative Report.

The Platform of Organizations for Cooperation with UN Human Rights Mechanisms was established by civil society organizations with ample experience in reporting to UN human rights mechanisms. These CSOs recognize the need for and relevance of the continuous evidence-based reporting process, monitoring of the implementation of the recommendations these mechanisms have been issuing to Serbia and interaction with Serbian Government bodies for monitoring the implementation of UN human rights recommendations.

The conference was organized by the Platform of Organizations for Cooperation with UN Human Rights Mechanisms in cooperation with the UN Human Rights Team in Serbia and the OSCE Mission to Serbia. The conference is a part of the project "Rate your rights and get involved!" supported by the "Together for an Active Civil Society - ACT" project of the Swiss Government with the goal for an active civil society in which citizens participate more in the decision-making process, especially on the local level. ACT is implemented by two non-governmental organizations: Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation and Civic Initiatives.