OSCE Mission, UN in Serbia welcome co-operation between civil society, Serbian authorities in organizing 2009 Pride March

BELGRADE, 18 September 2009 - The Acting Head of the OSCE Mission to Serbia, Tom Moore, and the UN Resident Coordinator in Serbia, William Infante, welcomed today the co-operation between civil society and the Serbian authorities to provide a safe environment for all participants of the 2009 Pride March, scheduled to take place in Belgrade on Sunday, 20 September.

"The right to freedom of peaceful assembly is a basic human right and as such should be protected," said Moore. "Serbia's commitment to supporting equality and the freedom of its citizens to peacefully assemble is to be commended, as is the willingness of Serbian authorities, particularly the Interior Ministry, and organizers to work together to ensure the safety of all those who wish to participate in the march.

Infante said: "It is very important for all nations to protect all people from discrimination. Human rights are universal and inalienable to all, and these two principles of universality and non-discrimination must be upheld."

Moore added that "the prohibition of discrimination is a fundamental concept articulated in the 2006 Serbian Constitution. The recently adopted Law on Anti-Discrimination further develops this constitutional principle. It is important that all citizens in Serbia can enjoy their rights and that effective mechanisms for combating discrimination are implemented."