4,100 Citizens Filed Complaints Serbia’s Commissioner for the Protection of Equality received over 4,100 complaints last year, with discrimination based on age, health status, income, disability, gender, national origin, and political beliefs being the most common grounds. The commissioner actively responded to 939 complaints, issuing 837 recommendations and initiating legal actions. Key areas of concern included employment, public authorities, education, and social welfare services, with specific issues arising from decrees affecting public service salaries and collective agreements impacting trade union members.

• Over 4,100 citizens filed complaints with the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality in the past year.
• The most frequent grounds for complaints were discrimination based on age, health status, income level, disability, gender, national affiliation, ethnic origin, and political beliefs.
• The commissioner acted on 939 complaints, issued 837 recommendations, and initiated legal actions.
• Employment and work processes saw the highest number of complaints, primarily due to disability, health status, and political beliefs.
• Issues related to social work center employees’ income levels and discrimination against trade union members in education and the National Theatre were highlighted.
• Complaints also arose concerning the non-extension of education employees’ contracts due to political beliefs or trade union membership.
• Challenges in social welfare rights realization, including insufficient capacity and funding, led to an increase in complaints.
• Public authorities received the largest number of complaints, followed by legal entities and individuals.
• Special reports on discrimination against persons with disabilities and women were submitted, indicating ongoing issues in social and health care, education, and accessibility.
• Authorities acted on the commissioner’s recommendations in 89% of cases.