Protection of Minority Rights in Serbia Needs to Remain Priority

Tobias Flessenkemper

The authorities in Serbia should step up efforts to secure that the rights of ethnic minorities be promoted and implemented properly, as said at a June 16 seminar in Belgrade, organized by the Council of Europe.

"Promoting a multicultural and intercultural perspective in education, as well as efficient participation by ethnic minorities, are some of the aspects that require further attention. The European Union and the Council of Europe remain committed partners to the government in securing proper protection of rights for everyone in Serbia" - this was one of the conclusions of the seminar, promoting the implementation of the Framework Convention on the Protection of Minorities.

Head of the Council's Office in Belgrade Tobias Flessenkemper said that events across Europe and the Balkans had created societies displaying ethnic, linguistic and cultural diversity, adding that in the context of such diversity the protection of national minorities represented "a permanent challenge"

The head of the political sector of the EU Delegation to Serbia, Dirk Lorenz, said that respect for and protection of minors represented a prime value of the European Union. Accordingly, he said, no country can join the Union without guaranteeing respect for human rights, including the rights of minorities.