In 2023, Serbia grappled with human rights challenges, where the glorification of war criminals overshadowed the slow movements towards justice. Activists and journalists faced rampant harassment, while a proposed Law on Internal Affairs threatened freedom of assembly. The abrupt denial of social assistance to the Roma population further highlighted systemic discrimination prevalent in society.
As Serbia navigated EU relations, it maintained ties with Russia amid allegations of widespread corruption. In March, a diplomatic agreement with Kosovo aimed to normalize relations but was marred by violence in September involving armed Serbs. The brutal murder of a Kosovo police officer heightened tensions, provoking military posturing on both sides.
The human toll of gun violence exploded in May, leading to 17 casualties and prompting the emergence of the “Serbia against Violence” coalition. Rallies demanded accountability and called for the suspension of violent media outlets, reflecting a society’s deep-seated frustrations. Later in December, election irregularities sparked thousands of citizens to protest the ruling party’s victory.
Judicial accountability remained elusive as convictions for war crimes were insecure. The conviction of former officials like Jovica Stanišić for crimes against humanity was overshadowed by glorification of war criminals. The backlog of unresolved cases hindered victims’ quest for truth and reparations, with a notable exclusion of thousands still searching for justice.
In May, Serbia pledged to assist Kosovo in locating missing persons by accessing archives, yet the larger context of freedom of expression remained bleak. Despite international protests against attacks on independent media, journalists endured widespread hostility, labeling them as enemies for challenging status quo narratives. Reports of strategic lawsuits and online assaults painted a grim picture for freedom of the press.
The draft Law on Internal Affairs raised alarm bells as it sought to institutionalize intrusive surveillance and suppress protests through unwarranted force. Excessive measures targeted environmental activists, showcasing how the state prioritized control over citizens’ voices. Underneath this, privacy and civil rights were increasingly compromised in the name of political power.
Tragically, violence against women persisted, with 27 femicides reported. Legal inadequacies and inadequate funding for social services reflected systemic failures in protecting vulnerable populations. The definition of rape in law continued to contradict accepted standards, while threats against women activists and journalists remained rampant, muddying the fight for rights.
Social security, notably impacted by the Law on Social Card, excluded many, particularly Roma and the disabled, deepening social divides. Meanwhile, LGBTI rights faced significant setbacks, with fears rising after an attack on a trans woman, highlighting ongoing societal hostility. Refugees and migrants also suffered harsh conditions, facing evictions and violence at Serbia’s borders as calls for humane treatment dwindled.
In 2023, Serbia faced severe human rights issues, from glorifying war criminals and systemic discrimination against the Roma to threats against independent journalists. Tensions with Kosovo escalated amidst unresolved violence, while electoral irregularities sparked nationwide protests. With inadequate protections for women and marginalized communities, the state struggled to provide justice and social support, deepening societal divides.
The report on human rights in Serbia for 2023 highlights a troubling environment where systemic discrimination, state-sponsored violence, and political manipulation overshadow democratic ideals. A culture of impunity persists, particularly regarding war crimes and media freedom. Vulnerable groups, especially women and the Roma, continue to bear the brunt of exclusion and violence. The quest for truth, justice, and equality remains elusive in a society grappling with its past and present crises.
Serbia’s human rights landscape in 2023 remains fraught with challenges as it balances aspirations for EU integration while maintaining deep-rooted ties with Russia. Amidst allegations of corruption, the country struggles to effectively address civil rights issues, alongside a troubling legacy regarding war crime accountability and systemic discrimination against marginalized groups, especially the Roma and LGBTI communities. Violence and political corruption continue to influence daily life, affecting freedoms of expression and assembly.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
