Dacic with CoE Commissioner for Human Rights: Recognized limitations for sustainable return of Serbs to Kosovo

Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivica Dacic and Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Dunja Mijatovic discussed today the numerous recognized obstacles to the sustainable return of the Serbian population to Kosovo.

Dacic and Mijatovic met today, and they exchanged opinions on the state of the rights and freedoms of the Serbian people in Kosovo, including the rights and freedoms of returnees, which were addressed in the Commissioner's Memorandum published after her visit to Kosovo in June last year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced.

The conversation was devoted to topics within Mijatovic's competence, such as the state of human rights and freedoms, transitional justice, women's rights and gender equality, freedom of expression, gatherings, and associations.

Dacic pointed out that Serbia highly values the role of the Commissioner for Human Rights, as an important mechanism for the protection and improvement of the state of human rights and freedoms in the member states of the Council of Europe, including identifying and pointing out possible shortcomings, both in the legislative framework that regulates the issue of human rights as well as its application.

The head of the Serbian diplomacy noted that reforms remain Serbia's main priority, and expressed his gratitude to the Council of Europe for its support in the reform process.

He emphasized that it was necessary to strengthen the political dialogue among the members of the Council of Europe and particularly underlined Serbia's commitment to stability in the region and to ensuring a favorable climate for dialogue and resolving all open issues in a peaceful and responsible manner.

Dacic assessed the numerous steps that had been taken in the area of the rule of law as a clear indication of a commitment to European integration and the creation of stable foundations for further development.