Presentation of the report “Serbia’s Forgotten Children” - findings and recommendations in line with UN treaty bodies recommendations and the process of European integration

Hybrid event, live at hotel Zira, Ruzveltova 35, Belgrade and online via Zoom Platform

30 November 2021 from 12:00 pm (CET)

The recent landmark monitoring report „Serbia’s Forgotten Children“ published by Disability Rights International (DRI) and Mental Disability Rights Initiative of Serbia (MDRI-S) on the situation of children with disabilities in residential institutions in Serbia revealed the appalling conditions in these settings and systemic human rights violations of children with disabilities including the instances of abuse and neglect. The report has attracted significant media attention causing a stir among decision-makers and civil society alike.

This event is being organised as part of the follow-up advocacy activities by DRI and MDRI-S to pave the way for much-needed reforms towards community living for both children and adults with disabilities. The aim is to engage a broad range of stakeholders and facilitate much needed dialogue about the future of such reforms.

Participants: relevant government authorities and agencies, representatives of international agencies and donors including UN agencies, EU delegation to Serbia, Embassies, CSOs including organisations of persons with disabilities and other human rights organisations and associations.

Due to the epidemiological situation in Serbia caused by the COVID-19 pandemic the number of participants in Hotel Zira will be limited to 15to comply with social distancing measures. For live present  in the hotel Zira you can register at the e-mail address prijava.mdri.serbia@gmail.com, until Friday, November 26, 2021.

You can register for online participation via the Zoom platform at the link https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMpc-uuqzkrG9J7wcvAnPzVMKVcQZz-RjEh  

AGENDA

12:00 – 12:05     Sonja Tošković, coordinator of the Platform of organizations for cooperation with the United Nations human rights mechanisms: Opening and moderation

12:05 – 12:15     Jonas Ruškus, Vice-chair of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities of the United Nations: The right to family life for children with disabilities; the latest UN standards

12:15 – 12:25     Tuomas Tuure, Advocacy Coordinator of the Abilis Foundation, Finland: The role of international agencies and donors in implementation of human rights standards and obligations

12:25 – 12:40     Dragana Ćirić Milovanović: Presentation of the report “Serbia’s Forgotten Children” in the context of UN recommendations and the process of European integration

12:40 – 12:55     Saša Stefanović, director, The Network of Organizations for Children of Serbia – MODS: Recommendations by CSOs and responsibilities of the relevant government authorities

12:55 – 13:00     Short break

13:00 – 13:45     Discussion: How to prevent further segregation and institutionalisation and plan for closure of institutions for children?

The event is co-hosted by the Platform of Organizations for Cooperation with UN Human Rights Mechanisms. The Platform was founded by 17 civil society organizations in Serbia, with ample experience in reporting to UN human rights mechanisms. The Platform’s activities are guided by the CSOs’ recognition of their common interest in systematically engaging in interaction with UN human rights mechanisms. The work of the Platform is supported by UN Team for Human Rights and OSCE mission in Serbia.

Simultaneous English-Serbian interpretation and sign language interpretation are provided.

The event will be  live stream on MDR-S Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/MDRISerbia