U.N. Coordinator: Serbia Must Not Cancel Pride Week

Francoise Jacob (BETAPHOTO/AMIR HAMZAGIC/MO)

As a country en route to joining the EU, Serbia cannot allow itself to ban Belgrade EuroPride 2022, said Francoise Jacob, the U.N.’s resident coordinator in Serbia, adding that she is certain that the Serbian authorities are aware of this fact.

The U.N. official maintains that people may take to the streets even if the event is canceled, which could lead to an even more complicated security situation.
 
“The procession itself and a whole week dedicated to Pride represent a fantastic opportunity for Serbia and Belgrade to show that they foster freedom in every sense. It would be a shame and a mistake if the state and its citizens were robbed of this opportunity, simply because of a minority limited by their own beliefs or [individuals] solely focused on their own political gain. In the medium term, this would harm [Serbia] and is not worth the short-term political advantage [it may provide],” Jacob said in an interview for the Voice of America, published on Sept. 8.

Jacob further stated that the EuroPride event – scheduled to commence on Sept. 12 – has drawn the attention of numerous foreigners and high officials, and that several European functionaries and ministers have announced their plans to attend. The current situation has only increased the event’s visibility and draw, Jacob added, referencing the state’s wish for the event to be canceled due to security concerns.

“I honestly think that canceling the procession and having it not take place would be catastrophic for Serbia. Something like that would be highly visible – because it’s an issue being covered by international media. [Cancelation of EuroPride 2022] would be the top news item for numerous stations and internet portals. If that happens, it will represent the kind of negative advertisement for Serbia that [the country] does not need,” Jacob concluded.