Ever since it was established, the Belgrade Centre for Human Rights (BCHR) has been focusing on human rights monitoring and analysis of Serbia’s legal framework and practice. We published our first annual report in 1998 and the continuity in publishing them demonstrates, inter alia, our perseverence and commitment to promoting and protecting human rights, as well our desire to help Serbia be a democratic country in which everyone’s rights are respected. The 2022 Report is our 25th report on human rights in Serbia.
The 2022 edition is the 25th report on the state of human rights in Serbia. Therefore, we would like to express particular gratitude to all individuals who have contributed over the past 25 years to making the Belgrade Centre Human Rights Report the only report monitoring the overall state of human rights in Serbia.
2022 was one of the most challenging years in recent history in terms of the realisation and protection of human rights. It was marked by developments that strongly affected the already extremely
unfavourable socio-political conditions for the realisation of human rights. Russia’s attack on Ukraine on 24 February started a war that radically changed political and economic relations in the world, causing, notably, an energy and food crisis, resulting, inter alia, in inflation and a visible drop in the purchasing power and living standards in Europe, which were strongly felt by Serbia’s citizens as well. Increased political tensions between Belgrade and Priština caused by growing international pressures to find a way to normalise relations were accompanied by numerous political incidents and provocations by both camps. In addition to the regular presidential and Belgrade City elections, early parliamentary elections were held on 3 April.
Numerous problems when it comes to the rule of law, the violation of the principle of separation of powers in which the executive reigns supreme over the other two branches of government, and the collapse of institutions continued in 2022. The year behind us was marked by the referendum on constitutional amendments and the start of work on judicial laws, as well as numerous protests, strikes and other forms of organizing citizens whose rights are threatened or violated. Journalists, civil society organizations and activists are often exposed to attacks and pressures. The situation on the Serbian media scene continues to deteriorate. Numerous cases of violence against women were recorded, and as many as 26 women were killed. According to research by the Belgrade Centre for Human Rights, as many as 73% of Serbian citizens believe that their monthly income does not provide them with a dignified life.
The Annual Report „Human Rights in Serbia 2022“ presents an overview and a review of the most important events and social phenomena in numerous areas in Serbia.
The Report in English is available HERE.
