The conference was organised on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, in support of the global campaign 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

The objective of the conference is comprehensive insight into the problem and improving cooperation between all the relevant factors in the process, be they state authorities or civil society organisations, to be better able to secure adequate help for women victims of violence in Serbia.

At the very beginning, the Chairman of the Committee on Human and Minority Rights and Gender Equality Meho Omerovic said that domestic violence is among the most complex forms of violation of human rights, where raising individual awareness, a comprehensive approach and efficient coordination of all the institutions of the system would lead to considerable progress in the field.

Omerovic stressed that on 23 November the National Assembly adopted the Law amending and modifying the Criminal Code, as well as the Law on Preventing Domestic Violence, creating the legislative framework for adequate multi-sector cooperation. He added that the application of these laws is crucial especially when it comes to penalty measures against the offenders, adding that in addition to suppression, the society should focus on prevention and education from an early age, which would create awareness of “zero tolerance” for the problem.

The Committee Chairperson concluded that the laws are also important because they send a clear message to the perpetrators of violence which is that the state of Serbia protects victims of violence and the relevant authorities, now with clearly defined jurisdiction, would know how to best protect them.

Deputy Ombudsman Gordana Stevanovic and Head of the OSCE Mission to Serbia Democratisation Department Jan Lueneburg also addressed the participants.

Gordana Stevanovic said that the new legislative framework concerning violence against women proves that the system is ready to change and the relevant authorities have approached this social problem with serious intent. She added that concentrated efforts of all the relevant factors will help the victims, punish the offenders and send a clear message that in this society violence is not permitted.

Pointing out that persevering violence against women continues to be a huge obstacle to gender equality, Jan Lueneburg said that the OSCE will do its best to help Serbia bolster its mechanisms for combating gender-based violence, as well as improve and guarantee women’s right to safety. He concluded that violence makes women vulnerable, unable to fight for a fair share of the job market and decision-making spheres, making the “zero tolerance” policy toward violence and empowerment of women in society something that requires active efforts.

The opening addresses were followed by sessions on supervision and reporting on violence against women, data collecting and record keeping, cooperation and coordination in the fight against violence against women, where the participants helped define a number of recommendations and conclusions of the conference. They concluded that the Committee, as well as the Ombudsman will, within their scope, monitor the implementation of the adopted laws to ensure the absolute protection to the victims, and at the same time adequately sanction the offenders.