Stojanović at the 58th Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva

On this occasion, Stojanović reaffirmed Serbia’s strong commitment to multilateralism and constructive dialogue within the UN system, particularly in the framework of the Human Rights Council.

"It is essential to avoid any form of politicization and the use of human rights as a tool of pressure on individual states," Stojanović emphasized, adding that international human rights protection mechanisms must be based on objectivity and the universal principles of international law.

In his address, Stojanović also highlighted the situation in Kosovo and Metohija, stressing that the provisional self-government institutions in Priština continue to seriously violate the human rights of the Serbian and other non-Albanian populations.

"Repressive measures, including arbitrary detentions and forced displacement campaigns, are still ongoing," the State Secretary warned.

Furthermore, Stojanović noted that, according to UNHCR data, fewer than 1.9% of displaced Serbs have been able to return to their homes, making Kosovo and Metohija the region with the lowest return rate of internally displaced persons in the world.

In this regard, Stojanović called on the international community to take decisive steps to prevent further human rights violations in Serbia’s southern province and to ensure the sustainable return of displaced persons.

Speaking about the promotion of human rights in Serbia, Stojanović underscored the importance of maintaining the highest human rights standards through an objective and non-selective approach.

He also highlighted Serbia’s progress in gender equality, particularly in the year marking the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

"Gender equality in Serbia is not just a legal norm but a constitutionally guaranteed principle and a foundation of the social order," stated the State Secretary.

According to him, Serbia is a signatory to key international conventions in this field and remains committed to global standards in advancing women's rights.

In this context, Stojanović pointed out that women currently make up 38% of Members of Parliament in the National Assembly of Serbia, hold 36.1% of leadership positions, and play a leading role in numerous professional and technical sectors.

He particularly emphasized the importance of gender-responsive budgeting, institutional mechanisms for supporting gender equality, and the continuous advancement of legislation in this field.

Concluding his remarks, Stojanović reaffirmed Serbia’s dedication to strengthening human rights, enhancing domestic legislation, and actively contributing to the work of the Human Rights Council to uphold the universal values on which the international order is based.