The largest number of civil complaints submitted to the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality in 2022 refer to discrimination based on nationality, age, health status, disability, gender, and the largest number were submitted due to discrimination against the Roma, the Commissioner's office announced.

Among the complaints based on nationality, the largest number was filed due to discrimination against the Roma national minority (87.7 percent), "which indicates the prevailing attitudes, social distance, stereotypes and prejudices faced by Roma men and women."

Most of the petitions were submitted due to discrimination in procedures before public authorities, and in the process of employment or at work.

Compared to previous years, the number of complaints due to discriminatory speech in public space, on social networks and in the media has also increased.

During the year, 3,300 citizens who expected help and support in exercising various rights and services contacted the commissioner, and the procedure was carried out in 1,879 cases.

The commissioner made 412 recommendations for measures to achieve equality and protection against discrimination, and the recommendations were acted upon in 88.4 percent of cases.

Link: https://n1info.rs/vesti/u-srbiji-najvise-diskriminisani-romi/

The Roma Center for Strategy, Development and Democracy submitted an initiative for the introduction of the Roma language into official use.

As stated in the letter sent to the state authorities of Serbia, it is requested to introduce this language where, based on the census, the Roma community has achieved this in the local self-government authorities.

They also submitted an initiative for the introduction of the Albanian language in official use throughout the territory of Serbia.

Within 15 days, the state authorities should inform the Roma Center for Strategy, Development and Democracy about what they have undertaken to comply with the Constitution of Serbia, laws and international obligations.

"After the expiration of the 15-day period, on April 8 we will publish a public announcement and take legal steps against the violators of the law and the Constitution, for which we will also inform international organizations and institutions," the statement said.

They add that Serbia is obliged to respect the rights and freedoms of minorities.

"If Serbia is on its way to the European Union, then it is obliged and obliged to respect the rights and freedoms of the minorities, in this case the Roma and the Albanians, but also the Egyptians, the Ashkali, the Gorani, the Bosniaks and the Turks who use the Albanian language. ", the announcement states.

Link: https://rominfomedia.rs/2023/03/14/predata-inicijativa-za-uvodjenje-romskog-i-albanskog-jezika-u-sluzbenu-upotrebu/