EU sets aside EUR 1.2mn for NGOs

EU's representatives in Belgrade have signed contracts with the representatives of 19 non-governmental organizations from Serbia. Chief of EU Delegation to Belgrade Vincent Degert signed the contracts worth EUR 1.2mn aimed at supporting the work of the NGOs. EU sets aside EUR 1.2mn for NGOs They all took part in a competition to win funds from the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) project. One of the projects main goals was stated to be improvement of civil society’s role in promotion of human rights and democratic reforms in order to prevent conflicts, improve pluralism and involvement in political life, Degert said at the ceremony in Belgrade today. Serbia has made progress regarding observation and protection of human rights in the past years, the EU Delegation chief added. He pointed out that the Law against Discrimination was adopted, along with the establishment of the institution of ombudsman, while the Ministry of Human ad Minority Rights "elevated the level of consciousness within the state administration about obligations regarding international human rights". However, Degert made an observation that NGOs in Serbia, especially those dealing with human rights, were still exposed to threats and attacks, "which were not followed by appropriate investigations and measures". According to him, it is necessary to have a favorable environment for a complete implementation of the legal frame which guarantees and assures human rights. "That is why I would stress the important role of civil society organizations in the process of the consolidation of democracy," said he. According to this EC official, civil society should be the government’s partner in improving the reforms, transition and European integrations. Degert pointed out the EU’s readiness to continue to support the government in its efforts to strengthen the process of democratization and human rights. The EIDHR competition was about projects concerning protection of human rights, political pluralism, contribution to reconciliation, development of joint participation of men and women in social, economical and political life, and encouraging interethnic, interreligious and intercultural tolerance and understanding. Over 80 projects had been submitted.

EU sets aside EUR 1.2mn for NGOs

They all took part in a competition to win funds from the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) project.

One of the projects main goals was stated to be improvement of civil society’s role in promotion of human rights and democratic reforms in order to prevent conflicts, improve pluralism and involvement in political life, Degert said at the ceremony in Belgrade today.

Serbia has made progress regarding observation and protection of human rights in the past years, the EU Delegation chief added.

He pointed out that the Law against Discrimination was adopted, along with the establishment of the institution of ombudsman, while the Ministry of Human ad Minority Rights "elevated the level of consciousness within the state administration about obligations regarding international human rights".

However, Degert made an observation that NGOs in Serbia, especially those dealing with human rights, were still exposed to threats and attacks, "which were not followed by appropriate investigations and measures".

According to him, it is necessary to have a favorable environment for a complete implementation of the legal frame which guarantees and assures human rights.

"That is why I would stress the important role of civil society organizations in the process of the consolidation of democracy," said he.

According to this EC official, civil society should be the government’s partner in improving the reforms, transition and European integrations.

Degert pointed out the EU’s readiness to continue to support the government in its efforts to strengthen the process of democratization and human rights.

The EIDHR competition was about projects concerning protection of human rights, political

pluralism, contribution to reconciliation, development of joint participation of men and women in social, economical and political life, and encouraging interethnic, interreligious and intercultural tolerance and understanding.

Over 80 projects had been submitted.