Djuric meets with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights: Ongoing violations of the rights of Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija

Serbia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Marko Djuric, met today with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, and expressed deep concern over the continuous violations of the rights of Serbs and other non-Albanians in Kosovo, including the denial of freedom of expression, raids on Serbian institutions, arbitrary detentions, unfounded judicial proceedings, and the destruction of Serbian cultural heritage.

Djuric emphasized the importance of a response from the international community to ensure full security and rights for the Serbian population and to prevent their persecution by the provisional self-government institutions in Pristina.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, the meeting also addressed cooperation and the promotion of human rights at both the national and international levels.

Minister Djuric reaffirmed Serbia’s strong commitment to upholding international standards and to multilateral cooperation in the field of human rights, highlighting the key role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in promoting dialogue and coordinating with international partners.

He underlined that Serbia respects, protects, and advances human rights domestically and internationally in accordance with the United Nations Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and other relevant international instruments.

He added that Serbia has ratified most of the leading UN human rights instruments and actively participates in the work of UN bodies and mechanisms, as well as other international organizations, with special attention to the work of the UN Human Rights Council.

Both parties agreed on the need to intensify cooperation in areas of mutual interest, with a special focus on sharing experiences and implementing best practices.

Minister Djuric expressed Serbia’s readiness to continue constructive dialogue with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, convinced that such cooperation will contribute to strengthening Serbia’s international standing and advancing human rights.

Regarding the current situation in Serbia, Djuric noted that the new government, led by Professor Dr. Djuro Macut, has demonstrated political responsibility and a readiness for dialogue and for easing social tensions.