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The discussion on the protection of human rights
and freedoms from violence and torture, held on January 22, 2025,
and organized by the Helsinki Committee, led to the following
conclusions:
Serbia is in a deep social, political, and
security crisis. The main risk factors include: the absence of
vision and change in governance policies;Institutional
paralysis;Endemic corruption and links between organized crime,
government elements, and the business sector;Media monopoly by the
ruling authorities; Lack of conditions for a democratic electoral
transition of power; Limited capacity of the current opposition.
Student protests represent the strongest
expression of the driving force for change in Serbia. However, the
lack of a clear vision and strategy for sustainable development,
along with limited crisis management capacities, has shaken the
current government, which has become the key factor in deepening the
crisis and endangering human security. Additionally,
propaganda-driven encouragement of paramilitary groups linked to
organized crime to commit violence against citizens and political
dissidents exacerbates the situation.
The government’s reactions clearly confirm its
active role in escalating social tensions, tolerating, and even
encouraging politically motivated violence. The Ministry of Internal
Affairs, the prosecution, and the courts are implementing measures
characteristic of a state of emergency.
In an effort to support a peaceful and democratic
transition of power and the necessary changes, the discussion
participants have:
Endorsed the Forensic Initiative for the
Prevention of Torture in Serbia
This initiative aims to improve forensic medical
expertise for victims of torture and abuse, particularly in Serbia’s
police system. The initiative includes:
Raising awareness about the necessity of security
sector reforms, especially in human security;
Reporting and
cooperating with the European Committee for the Prevention of
Torture (CPT), the UN Special Rapporteur, the Ombudsman, and other
relevant institutions and civil society organizations.
Called for the Creation of an Independent and
Expert Mechanism for Monitoring and Reporting on Violations of Human
Rights and Freedoms
A systematic approach to monitoring and
documenting cases of violent restrictions on human rights should be
established through:
Cooperation and networking among civil society
organizations and experts;Raising awareness of the causes and
consequences of radicalization, extremism, politically motivated
violence, and terrorism; Providing direct legal, medical (including
psychological), and other forms of assistance to victims of violence
and torture.
Called for Urgent Measures to Protect Human Rights
and Freedoms
Concrete steps must be taken to protect citizens'
fundamental rights, including:
Promoting the peaceful resolution of conflicts and
ensuring that all political actors, especially the ruling parties,
operate within constitutional and legal frameworks; Disbanding and
sanctioning paramilitary formations and so-called party groups that
fuel conflict radicalization; Halting and sanctioning unauthorized
paramilitary and intelligence activities, including private media
outlets that unlawfully "expose and unmask spies";Penalizing media
that contribute to a toxic social atmosphere and incite violence.
These steps are crucial for restoring the rule of
law, protecting human rights, and ensuring the security of all
citizens of Serbia.
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