A/HRC/23/15/
rights, in particular the draft law prohibiting corporal punishment, and the strategy to
prevent domestic violence against women. Angola made a recommendation.
100. Argentina welcomed the delegation and thanked it for the presentation of the report.
It congratulated Serbia on the establishment of the Office for Human and Minority Rights
and on the ratification of CPED. Argentina made recommendations.
101. Armenia expressed its appreciation for the progress in human rights education, the
adoption of anti-discrimination legislation and the establishment of the position of
Commissioner for the Protection of Equality. Serbia had achieved significant results in
better protecting minority rights through the adoption of the Law on the National Council
of National Minorities. Armenia made a recommendation.
102. Australia welcomed the adoption of the anti-discrimination law and the
establishment of a commission for the protection of equality. Australia also welcomed the
efforts to protect journalists, but was concerned that restrictive legislation might limit
freedom of expression. Australia acknowledged the ongoing cooperation of Serbia with the
ICTY. Australia made recommendations.
103. Austria raised the issue of integration of Roma citizens. It asked about plans for
improving support for victims of domestic violence and prohibiting corporal punishment of
children. Austria was concerned about extremist groups’ attempts to intimidate journalists
and human rights defenders through hate speech, and asked for information on plans to
ensure freedom of expression and association and adequate protection to the LGBT
community. Austria made recommendations.
104. Azerbaijan noted measures taken to enforce and improve the activities of its
Ombudsman, recently upgraded to “A” status. It noted that Serbia was promoting the
position of women in high-level decision-making through specific legislation and that it had
addressed the needs and necessities of the many refugees on its territory. Azerbaijan made
recommendations.
105. Belgium welcomed legislation adopted by Serbia to ensure gender equality, but was
concerned that many victims of trafficking and sexual exploitation were juveniles. It asked
what measures would be taken in implementing the country’s global media strategy. It was
also concerned by the banning of the “Pride Parade” in 2011 and 2012, which adversely
affected LGBT rights. Belgium made recommendations.
106. Bhutan commended Serbia for establishing numerous domestic legislative
frameworks and institutional mechanisms to protect the rights of children, women and
minorities and to fight against human trafficking and domestic violence. It welcomed the
ratification by Serbia of international instruments, including CRPD and CPED. Bhutan
made a recommendation.
107. Croatia welcomed the establishment of a Council for National Minorities, the
adoption of the Law on National Councils for National Minorities and the antidiscrimination law. It asked what measures would be implemented to ensure appropriate
representation of national minorities in the judiciary, administration and police and to
develop a multi-ethnic, multicultural society. It asked Serbia to elaborate on why the
fundamental freedoms of LGBT persons could not be protected, in view of the worrying
widespread discrimination against them. It encouraged Serbia to further develop the
concept of “hate crime”.
108. Brazil noted the cooperation by Serbia with the ICTY and its new legislation on the
judiciary and asylum. Brazil also noted measures to fight discrimination and protect
equality. It asked whether Serbia intended to adopt new measures against discrimination on
the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Brazil made recommendations.
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