Equality and Social Justice for All Inhabitants of Serbia
CDF Announcement Commemorating World Day of Social Justice In a democratic and just society, all people are equal and have equal access to rights, social resources and opportunities for dignified work and development. On the occasion of World Day of Social Justice, the Center for Democracy Foundation calls for additional efforts to be made in the fight against inequality, discrimination and poverty in Serbia. It is important that the most vulnerable groups are protected from discrimination and social exclusion, especially Roma men and women, women, people with disabilities, the elderly, and that everyone has access to quality education, healthcare and…
CDF: Human Rights Guarantee Equality for All and Must be Respected!
Announcement concerning the difficult situation of Indian workers at the construction site of the Linglong factory in Zrenjanin Official implementation of the Law on Amendments to the Law on the Employment of Foreigners in Serbia begins today. The Center for Democracy Foundation requests that competent authorities consistently apply the law and protect the rights of all workers. Unfortunately, we are witnessing a severe violation of human and labour rights of workers. There are well-founded suspicions that Indian workers in Zrenjanin are being exploited. This includes denying them freedom of movement as their passports have been confiscated, their work permits have…
Western Balkans Youth in Policy Making Processes
Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe Project (RYDE) Presentation of the Research on the Attitudes of civil society organisations and young people 31 January 2024, via Zoom, 13-15h The Research includes the views of CSOs and young individuals – political activists, journalists, scholars and others interested parties in the youth-related policy making process. The researchers will display the findings based on reported experiences, attitudes, capacities and challenges of youth-oriented civil society organisations and young individuals in the policy making process from the Western Balkan Region – Albania, Bosnia and Hercegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. The event will gather the…
Navigating the EU Youth Dialogue and Strengthening Youth Decision-Making in Serbia
Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe project The EU Youth Dialogue (EUYD), formerly known as Structured Dialogue, is a mechanism implemented at the European Union (EU) level to address youth issues and needs. Through this dialogue, decision-makers gain insight into the concerns and demands of young people, enabling them to make informed decisions that are in the best interest of the youth. Simply put, the EUYD provides a platform for young people to participate in the political decision-making process and make their voices heard. Aligned with the EU Youth Strategy 2019-2027, EUYD supports its implementation and encourages cooperation between EU countries…
Is there any progress in Western Balkan economies in implementing the Youth Guarantee programme?
Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe Project Over the last few years, the youth unemployment rate has continuously decreased in all WB economies. However, it varies from economy to economy and remains higher compared to EU member states. The highest youth unemployment rate is in North Macedonia, at 34.9%, while the lowest is in Kosovo* – 21.4%. According to Eurostat data from November 2023, youth unemployment in the EU stands at 14.5%. A decade ago, this rate was roughly 24%. How did youth unemployment decrease by approximately 10% over the past 10 years in the EU despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the…
Analysis: Poverty Reduction Through Sustainable Agriculture in Serbia
SDGs for All Platform Author: Darija Šajin The analysis Poverty Reduction Through Sustainable Agriculture in Serbia was part of the work prepared by the Thematic Group Poverty Eradication of the Social Pillar of the SDGs4All Platform. ABSTRACT/SUMMARY Poverty in the Republic of Serbia is predominantly a rural phenomenon, given the fact that in certain period, rural areas were affected by it up to twice as much as cities. Lower unemployment rates in rural areas compared to urban areas are explained by the high rate of self-employment on family farms. The dominant part of the active rural population of Serbia engages in agriculture. The dependence of…
Happy Holidays! Srećni praznici!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Fondacija Centar za demokratiju Vam želi srećne praznike!
CDF: Stopping Attacks on Civil Society and Youth Activists
A statement issued by the Center for Democracy Foundation in response to the article in the daily newspaper Politika titled “Bjelic's NGO KOMS funded by Germans”. The Center for Democracy Foundation urges state authorities and the media to cease attacks and unfounded criticisms of civil society organisations and youth activists. Such attacks have become increasingly frequent and intense in recent days, which is unacceptable in a democratic state and a country aspiring to become a member of the European Union. The Serbian Youth Umbrella Organisation (KOMS), the Forum of Civil Action – Forca in Požega, and their member and activist…
Civic and Political Engagement of Youth in the Western Balkans
Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe Project The realisation of the rights of young people to actively participate in the decision-making process is an integral part of every developed democratic society and is guaranteed by the European Charter on the Participation of Young People at the Local and Regional Levels adopted by the Council of Europe. Young people have the right, and should have the opportunity, to fully participate in decision-making that affects their lives at the local and/or regional level. However, due to the insufficient democratic capacity of WB countries, still burdened by the legacy of the last decade of…
Round table: The Role of Civil Society in Protecting Human Rights in Companies
Initiative for Global Solidarity (IGS) The Center for Democracy Foundation organised the second public debate on the topic of the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act and Europe’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). A series of thematic roundtable discussions is being conducted as part of the Initiative for Global Solidarity (IGS) project. The round table “The Role of Civil Society in Protecting Human Rights in Companies” was held on 21 December 2023 at Envoy Conference Center in Belgrade. Partaking in the discussion were: Sanela Bahtijarević, German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ); Jovana Spaić Erdeljan, International Labour Organization; Nataša Vučković,…
Western Balkans Youth in the European Commission’s Progress Report 2023 for WB6
Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe Project Good things come to those who wait – on 8th November 2023, the European Commission published the annual progress reports for the Western Balkan economies for 2023 – the new enlargement package and the Progress Report on European integration process for all WB6. How do these reports assess the progress made by these economies in 2023? To what extent do they address the issues and needs of young people, and do they take into account the involvement of youth in decision-making processes? Just to remind ourselves – Western Balkans consist of Albania, Bosnia and…
Foundation’s Management Board and Founders Assembly meeting
Talks about the future of democracy, the Foundation’s role in the current surroundings, plans for 2024 and commemorating the CDF’s 30th work anniversary – Management Board and Foundation Assembly members meeting. Belgrade, 14 December, 2023 Center for Democracy Foundation
