Today we are marking the Human Rights Day and 66 years since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This day should remind us that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights, but also that there are those whose rights are violated and who need protection.

On this day we would thus like to point at the position of refugees and internally displaced persons accommodated in the informal Collective Centre “Pionirski grad”. Sixty three persons are being evicted at this moment. The evictions will be also carried out during winter, which is contrary to international standards binding on Serbia. The eviction of the CC “Pionirski Park” affects children, single parents, unemployed, socially vulnerable and persons of poor health, who are in constant fear and state of uncertainty, without durable and sustainable solution for their problems. We express sincere concern about the lack of understanding and will of the competent institutions to prevent homelessness, which for some is the only certain perspective. The authorities point out that the evictions are now unavoidable, but there will be opportunities for final resolving of their housing issue in the future.

Therefore, on this day we are calling on the authorities to urgently suspend the evictions during winter and find a durable and sustainable solution for refugees and internally displaced persons threatened with homelessness.