PRESS RELEASE : 43rd Universal Periodic Review: UK statement on Serbia [May 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 May 2023.
The UK delivered a statement during Serbia’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.
The UK welcomes the adoption of a new law on Gender Equality, as well as amendments to the Anti-Discrimination law.
We have significant concerns over the protection of freedom of expression. We urge Serbia address political pressure and harassment of journalists and activists, including through the use of SLAPP lawsuits.
We note too the lack of transparency over revenue sources, and increasingly limited pluralism in the media.
We also note slow progress in securing accountability for the murders of journalists.
We recommend:
- Ensure that all threats, intimidation and attacks against journalists and human rights defenders are investigated and brought to a timely conclusion.
- Co-operate fully with the IRMCT and commit to prosecute suspected criminals, act to stem denial and relativisation of genocide and war crimes and end complacency towards graffiti celebrating convicted war criminals.
- Strengthen the existing normative framework on gender equality, by securing reliable and disaggregated data on violence against women and girls in Serbia, including femicides.
Thank you.
