Declaration  for the first time in the history of mankind, it proclaims common standards of human rights that should be achieved by all peoples and nations of the world,  "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights," states the first article of the declaration. It was not legally binding but more part of international custom rights until the UN International Conference on Human Rights in 1968, when it was decided that the declaration represents an obligation for all members of the international community. It represents the basis for all further legally binding UN agreements on human rights, above all for two important international Covenants on Civil and Political Rights and  on economic, social and cultural rights.

In addition to this global level of human rights protection, which is achieved through UN instruments for the development and protection of human rights at the European regional level, the Convention on the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms of the Council of Europe, adopted in 1950, is of particular importance, which not only protects basic human rights and freedoms, but also establishes a mechanism for monitoring their realization and protection.

Human rights are basic rights that every person has,  which are acquired by birth, which are inalienable and indivisible, inherent in all people, regardless of  nationality, residence, sex, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, language, or any other status. In the Republic of Serbia, human rights are guaranteed by the Constitution, generally accepted rules of international law, ratified international treaties and laws. 

This year, International Human Rights Day is dedicated to marking 20 years since the establishment of the Office of the UN High Commissioner on December 21, 1993. The UN General Assembly established this body acting on the recommendations adopted at the World Conference on Human Rights held a little earlier in Vienna.   when it was adopted  Vienna Declaration and Program of Action  which denote  strengthening further efforts in the protection and promotion of human rights in the world. The High Commissioner for Human Rights acts as a strong authority and voice for the victim, advocating that human rights standards be implemented through UN programs so that peace and security, development and human rights, as the three most important pillars of the UN system, are interconnected and conditioned.

In the past 20 years, there has been fundamental progress in the advancement of women's rights, the development of international law to determine responsibility for human rights violations, the protection and promotion of the rights of marginalized groups, and a much greater understanding of the universality and indivisibility of human rights.

As a member of the United Nations  Republic of Serbia  strives to contribute to the improvement of tolerance, equality and equality  and to ensure the protection of human rights.   "Serbia has made progress in the area of ​​respect for human rights, it is a positive sign that the authorities are approaching human rights issues in a calm and pragmatic way", she emphasized during  visits  Republic of Serbia  June this year  UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay, stating that she is aware that Serbia is facing challenges that require significant efforts and resources, such as the issue of the rights of thousands of internally displaced persons and refugees, the unemployed and the rights of minorities.

The progress of the Republic of Serbia in the field of human rights was recognized during the recent second cycle of the Universal Periodic Review of the UN Human Rights Council in January 2013. The Republic of Serbia received 144 recommendations from the 67 member states of the United Nations, of which it accepted 139.  A large number of received recommendations related to  prohibition of discrimination, improvement of the rights of national minorities and children  and a person with a disability,  gender equality, prevention of domestic violence, prevention of human trafficking, the Republic of Serbia is already implementing. She also pointed out that in the Republic of Serbia  there are still problems that need to be overcome and that relate to the position of Roma, persons with disabilities, journalists and human rights defenders, refugees and internally displaced persons. In addition, she pointed out  that appropriate measures should be taken in order to guarantee the freedom of assembly, first of all, of LGBT persons, as well as solving the issue of domestic violence.

You can view the Universal Declaration of Human Rights here