Serbia

In 2024, Serbia made significant progress in advancing the Business and Human Rights (B+HR) agenda, aligning its national frameworks with international standards and responding to the growing global emphasis on corporate responsibility. As the European Union (EU) continues to develop mandatory human rights due diligence regimes, Serbia’s close economic ties with the EU have made it imperative for the country to harmonize its domestic legislation with these evolving standards. Recognizing this, UNDP supported a comprehensive initiative aimed at assessing Serbia’s current legal and institutional landscape in relation to the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), while also laying the groundwork for the development of a National Action Plan (NAP) on Business and Human Rights.

The cornerstone of this initiative was the development of Serbia’s first National Baseline Assessment (NBA) on Business and Human Rights. This assessment was the result of extensive legal analysis and inclusive consultations with a wide range of stakeholders, including government representatives, civil society organizations (CSOs), academia, international partners and the private sector. This approach ensured a comprehensive understanding of the current state of business and human rights in Serbia, identifying key challenges, gaps and opportunities for reform. The NBA also paid particular attention to vulnerable groups, including women, persons with disabilities, Roma communities and youth, highlighting the specific barriers they face in the labour market and workplace.

The project successfully elevated the discourse on business and human rights within Serbia’s policy-making environment. Two major public events were organized to foster dialogue and raise awareness. The first, a National Conference on Business and Human Rights, brought together around 80 stakeholders from various sectors and served as the first national platform for discussing the integration of human rights into business practices. Co-hosted by the Ministry for Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue and the Belgrade Centre for Human Rights, the conference marked a pivotal moment in building consensus and commitment among national actors. The second event, a public discussion on the NBA findings, gathered approximately 40 participants and received national media coverage, further amplifying the conversation and encouraging broader public engagement.

A key outcome of the project was the drafting of Serbia’s National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights. This strategic document outlines the country’s vision and priorities for embedding human rights into business operations and regulatory frameworks.

The project’s gender-sensitive approach was particularly noteworthy. The NBA highlighted systemic challenges faced by women in Serbia, including discrimination in hiring, underrepresentation in leadership roles, and concentration in low-wage or informal employment. It also addressed the lack of support for balancing professional and family responsibilities. These findings informed the project’s activities, which ensured equal participation of women and men and, in fact, saw a higher representation of women in consultations and events. This focus on gender equality aligns with broader efforts to promote inclusive and equitable labour practices.

In numerous consultations initiated by the project, the interests of the private sector were represented through associations such as the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and the Association of Employers. These organizations play a crucial role in promoting corporate due diligence and responsible business conduct. The project also engaged with other key partners, including the Commissioner for Equality, UN Global Compact, labour unions and over 80 stakeholders from various sectors, creating a robust network for future collaboration.