Statement on the Right to Peaceful Assembly in Serbia

Democracy, human rights, and the rule of law are the foundation of the European Union's identity. Within these values lies the right to peaceful assembly, a fundamental freedom enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, European Charter of Fundamental rights and the European Convention on Human Rights. As the House of the European organised civil society, the EESC has always fervently defended it.

We stand firm in solidarity with the youth of Serbia and their resonating calls for justice, accountability and functional institutions. Serbia’s youth is the heart of Serbia's democratic future. Their fundamental freedoms must be protected, their voices heard and their safety ensured. An attack on their freedom to peaceful assembly is an attack on the very essence of democracy.

Andrej Zorko, President of the Western Balkans Follow-up Committee
Tasos Yiapanis, co-chair of the EU-Serbia Joint Consultative Committee (JCC)