Violence against women is one of the most severe violations of human rights in Serbia, says OSCE Mission Head

BELGRADE, 10 December 2010 - The Head of the OSCE Mission to Serbia, Ambassador Dimitrios Kypreos, supports the international campaign "16 Days of Activism to Prevent Violence against Women" which started on 25 November and concludes today, and welcomes actions by the state and the civil society to eradicate the vice.

"Despite concerted efforts of state institutions and the civil society, violence against women remains one of the most severe violations of human rights in Serbia. A lot still needs to be done, particularly with regard to the protection of victims and the prosecution of perpetrators," Kypreos stated.

He noted the significant steps which had been taken, such as the adoption of the National Action Plan for the Improvement of the Situation of Women and Gender Equality, as well as the adoption and implementation of the Vojvodina Provincial Strategy to Combat Violence against Women, and reiterated the Mission's continued support to Serbia in this area.

"The OSCE Mission to Serbia will remain active in its support to state institutions and civil society to uphold the rights guaranteed by Serbia's Constitution and laws, as well as its commitments under the UN Convention on the Elimination all Forms of Discrimination against Women."

"We strongly encourage the authorities and civil society to keep working together to enable Serbia's further advancement in combating violence against women, which remains one of the greatest challenges for human rights protection in every democratic society," said Kypreos.