This autumn, the Belgrade Centre for Human Rights celebrates 30 years of its existence and dedicated work. Three decades of unwavering commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights in Serbia were marked at a ceremony held on Friday, October 3, at the Miljenko Dereta Space in Belgrade.
From the founders who established the Centre in 1995 to today’s team, colleagues, partners, and friends gathered to honor to three decades of tireless, persistent and principled efforts in advancing and safeguarding human rights and the rule of law in Serbia.
The celebration was also a moment of reflection — a chance to look back on everything the BCHR has accomplished over the years, and to recognize the resilience it has shown in times when the treatment of human rights defenders still echoes the challenges of the 1990s, the very decade in which the Centre was founded.
The Belgrade Centre for Human Rights was established 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.
Guided by the vision and integrity of Professor Vojin Dimitrijević — a distinguished scholar of international law and the BCHR’s long-time director — the organization has, for thirty years, been devoted to upholding human rights and the rule of law as the foundation of every modern democratic society.
Throughout its history, the Centre has worked tirelessly to raise public awareness about the importance of protecting individual freedoms, to educate generations of students and professionals, to publish textbooks and books as Serbia’s leading publisher in the field of human rights, to provide free legal aid and support to citizens, and to ensure the most comprehensive and consistent reporting on the state of human rights in Serbia.
The dedicated work of numerous individuals—from diverse professional backgrounds but united by a shared commitment to human rights—has made the Belgrade Centre for Human Rights one of the most respected and influential civil society organizations in the country.
For three decades, our mission has remained the same — to promote the idea of human rights, to empower citizens to stand for their freedoms, and to create a society where dignity, equality, and justice are respected and protected for all.
In carrying forward the values, ideas, and legacy of Professor Dimitrijević, who passed away on 5 October 2012, the Centre has been guided 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).
Today, when the fundamental principles of democracy — the separation of powers, the rule of law, and human rights — are being profoundly undermined, this mission is more urgent than ever. With courage, dignity, and persistence, we remain on the front line of the defense of human rights for all people in Serbia.
© photo: Belgrade Centre for Human Rihts/Nebojša Petrović
