The Belgrade Centre for Human Rights (BCHR) celebrates thirty years of existence and work this autumn. Founded in October 1995 as an association of citizens committed to advancing the theory and practice of human rights, the Centre has since evolved into one of Serbia’s most prominent non-governmental organisations. Over the past three decades, it has sought to promote the very idea of human rights, raise public awareness of issues related to human rights and individual freedoms, influence public opinion and foster a climate of full respect for these rights.
The Belgrade Centre for Human Rights was founded in 1995 by Vesna Petrović, Jelena Pejić, Nevena Vučković Šahović, Dragor Hiber, Vojin Dimitrijević, Konstantin Obradović, Gašo Knežević, Branislav Milinković, Milan Paunović and Slobodanka (Boba) Nedović. Continuing the mission set out at that time, and guided by the authority and vision of Professor Vojin Dimitrijević, international law professor and our long-standing director, the Centre has for three decades now been consistently emphasising the importance of the continuous struggle for the respect, defence and protection of human rights and the rule of law as the cornerstone of every modern democratic society.
Over the past thirty years, the Belgrade Centre for Human Rights has implemented more than 250 projects that have helped shape Serbia’s legal and social landscape. It has published over 250 professional publications, textbooks and books, becoming the country’s leading publisher in the field of human rights. The Centre has organised more than 1,000 seminars, conferences, trainings, round tables, lectures and discussions, educating generations of citizens. It has held 28 annual Human Rights Schools attended by over 1,000 young participants and published 27 annual reports on the state of human rights in Serbia – the most comprehensive and consistent source of reliable information for both domestic and international institutions and organisations.
However, the Centre is much more than these figures. For three decades, it has tirelessly provided legal assistance and support to the citizens of Serbia, advocated the improvement of the legal framework in line with international human rights standards, assisted asylum seekers and refugees and supported their integration into society. The Centre has also worked extensively with young people, bringing them together through various activities, including Youth Rights Talks – the largest annual youth gathering on human rights. This work continues today through the Centre’s unwavering efforts to hold institutions accountable for human rights violations, to highlight problems and shortcomings in draft legislation and to submit concrete proposals for their improvement and alignment with Serbia’s Constitution, laws and international standards, ensuring that they serve the public good and interests of Serbia’s citizens.
The Belgrade Centre for Human Rights is a pioneer in submitting alternative reports to the United Nations and in strategic litigation before the European Court of Human Rights, and has for years been an important interlocutor of other international organisations such as the Council of Europe, the OSCE and the European Union. Following the political changes of 2000, the Centre made a crucial contribution to building independent institutions for the protection of human rights[1] following the political changes in 2000. The Centre is a member of numerous networks, including the Association of Human Rights Institutes (AHRI), the European Legal Network on Asylum (ELENA), the European Council on Refugees and Exiles (ECRE) and the Coalition for Monitoring Child Rights, and is a founder of the Human Rights and Democracy House in Belgrade. It is also a member of the Human Rights Houses Network (HRH Network), the National Convention on the European Union, the Platform of Organisations for Cooperation with UN Human Rights Mechanisms, the Balkan Refugee and Migration Council, the Rainbow Migration Network, the National Association of Youth Workers (NAPOR) and the National Youth Council of Serbia (KOMS).
The Centre continues to address new challenges facing both Serbian society and the wider world – from deepening social inequalities and a persistent state of political crisis to digital surveillance and the growing potential for the abuse of personal data and privacy. It also addresses the expansion of state powers justified by the need to ensure security, combat terrorism and respond to other global threats – all too often at the expense of human rights.
In carrying forward the values, ideas, and legacy of Professor Dimitrijević, the Centre’s work and mission remain inspired by his words:
“The struggle against the reign of terror must be borne by the brave and the dignified within every community.” (from his book Reign of Terror: An Essay on Human Rights and State Terror).
This idea is more relevant than ever at a time when the fundamental principles of every modern democratic state – the separation of powers, the rule of law and human rights – are being systematically trampled upon. That is why we remain at the forefront of defending the human rights of people in Serbia — with courage, dignity and unwavering perseverance.
[1] The Protector of Citizens, the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality and the Commissioner for Access to Information of Public Importance and Personal Data Protection
