CoE: Certain progress in human rights

CoE Human Rights Commissioner Thomas Hammarberg says certain progress has been made in the area of human rights, though he adds there is much still to be done. He said that he was disappointed at the conduct of the judicial system and the police, because of the inherent corruption and discrimination; because of the lack of freedom of expression both in the media and in general; because of inadequate protection of minorities, especially Roma; and because of racism, intolerance and hate speech. CoE: Certain progress in human rights He will publish a report in January on human rights in Serbia and recommend specific moves to help improve the situation. Hammarberg told B92 that he was nonetheless hopeful, and when asked what he viewed as the outstanding problem in Serbia during his stay, he replied: “It is hard to identify the single most important problem. There are several problems, but I think that the most important thing is that the judicial system is not working well,” he said. “Corruption is still present, trials take too long, your prisons are overpopulated, which is problematic, and there is some criticism of police work. It is necessary to review the functioning of the entire judicial system,” Hammarberg said.

CoE: Certain progress in human rights

He will publish a report in January on human rights in Serbia and recommend specific moves to help improve the situation.

Hammarberg told B92 that he was nonetheless hopeful, and when asked what he viewed as the outstanding problem in Serbia during his stay, he replied:

“It is hard to identify the single most important problem. There are several problems, but I think that the most important thing is that the judicial system is not working well,” he said.

“Corruption is still present, trials take too long, your prisons are overpopulated, which is problematic, and there is some criticism of police work. It is necessary to review the functioning of the entire judicial system,” Hammarberg said.