The Protector of Citizens, Zoran Pašalić, emphasized today that children who live and work on the streets are more exposed to the risk of human trafficking, labour exploitation and various forms of abuse and appealed to the competent authorities to intensify their activities in the field of protection of children in street situations.

"Children who live and work on the street are in most cases marginalized, stigmatized and almost excluded from society, and health and social protection services are rarely available to them. In addition to all this, they are very exposed to the risk of human trafficking, various forms of abuse and exploitation", emphasized Pašalić on the occasion of 12 April – the International Day for Street Children.

Pašalić appealed to the competent authorities to intensify activities, make additional efforts and act preventively in order to facilitate access to health care, education and social services for children who live and work on the street.

"We requested, among other things, from the competent authorities to fully recognize children who live and work on the street as victims, and not as perpetrators of violations, by amending the law on public order and peace. At the same time, I appeal to the competent authorities to create conditions for the effective protection of children in street situations through intersectoral cooperation", said Pašalić.

In this regard, the Protector of Citizens reminded that last year the Republic of Serbia adopted the Plan for the Protection of Children in Street Situations in accordance with General Comment 21 of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child, by which it undertook to take preventive measures in accordance with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The Protector of Citizens, Zoran Pašalić, said today that the Roma represent the most discriminated population category in the Republic of Serbia and emphasized that it is necessary to take measures to create equal opportunities for all our citizens, especially for members of vulnerable groups.

"The Roma do not have their own home country, and they represent the most numerous national minority, not only in Serbia but also in Europe, as a result of which they are often additionally exposed to numerous forms of discrimination. As a society as a whole, we must pay special attention to the protection, realization and improvement of rights of Roma men and women", stated Pašalić in a congratulatory message on the occasion of 8 April – International Romani Day.

Pašalić pointed out that the Roma belong to a very marginalized minority group, with a quality of life that has not improved much, and reminded that throughout history, the Roma and the Serbs shared a very difficult fate, but that they managed to preserve their authenticity through joint efforts.

The improvement of the position of the Roma is a systemic issue, which must be solved with good laws and positive discrimination when planning policies, primarily in the fields of education, health, social protection and employment, stated the Protector of Citizens.

The Protector of Citizens, Zoran Pašalić, sent an Easter greeting to all believers in the Republic of Serbia today, who celebrate this great Christian holiday according to the Gregorian calendar.

Easter is a holiday of hope, faith and love, with a message of how important it is to preserve and nurture true values such as respect, tolerance, solidarity. With my hearty congratulations, I wish you to celebrate the upcoming holidays in joy and health with your loved ones, said the Protector of Citizens, Zoran Pašalić.

The Protector of Citizens, Zoran Pašalić, sent heartfelt congratulations today to all members of the Jewish community in Serbia on the occasion of Passover, wishing them to celebrate this great holiday in happiness, peace and with their loved ones.

May this historic holiday of freedom and justice bring spiritual peace and joy to all who celebrate it, and send a message of tolerance and mutual respect to all citizens in Serbia, Pašalić said in his congratulatory message.