UN Human Rights Commissioner After Visit to Serbia: Deep Polarization Within Society

At a press conference following his visit, Türk emphasized that protests have been ongoing in the country for over six months, mostly led by students demanding transparency and accountability for the tragedy at the Novi Sad railway station on November 1st last year.

"I was impressed by the energy and enthusiasm of these young people. They expressed a strong desire for a free and democratic society and for respect for human rights. Their voices must be heard and respected," said Türk, who met with students and professors at the University of Belgrade.

Türk stated that during his discussions with government representatives, he called for a transparent, swift, and thorough investigation into the Novi Sad incident, as well as into all allegations of violence against peaceful protesters.

He also said that his office had received reports of attacks, harassment, intimidation, threats, and smear campaigns targeting human rights defenders and media workers, along with reports of unlawful digital surveillance and lawsuits used to intimidate.

Türk emphasized that he also discussed the human rights situation of non-majority communities in Kosovo with his interlocutors in Belgrade, noting that he is aware of the situation and will continue working on the issue.

He welcomed the fact that Serbia has ratified nearly all international human rights treaties and recently acceded to the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, but he stressed the need to strengthen national human rights mechanisms and the independence of the judiciary.

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