Douglas ElliottProminent Canadian barrister Douglas Elliott, in his office of Chair of the Advisory Committee of the international academic conference “Justice in the Balkans: Equality for Sexual Minorities”, wrote to Slavica Đukić Dejanović, the Speaker of Serbian Parliament, asking to accellerate the procedure for election of Equality Commissioner for Serbia, in view of the fact that the last deadline for election expired on March 1, 2010.
On the behalf of the conference that gathers legal experts, scholars, lawyers, legislators, MPs, government representatives and advocates for discrimination victims, Elliott points out that the available information shows that Goran Miletić alone has the indisputable support by the civil sector and meets all legal requirements, adding that his was the only candidacy submitted timely and in accordance with the Law on Prevention of Discrimination.
”Equality Commissioner has to be prepared to investigate all reported cases of discrimination and apply the necessary procedures listed in the Law. The Commissioner has to be capable of fair, objective and impartial assessment and to recognize cases of discrimination, to be dedicated to the creation of harmonious society in which all citizens will enjoy equal rights and will live freely, free of threats of harassment and violence”, Elliott says.
He adds that Miletić worked with all groups in Serbia that faced discrimination, including Roma, religious minorities, disabled persons and the LGBT community, proving capable of investigating discrimination cases and offer protection to victims of human right violations.
Miletić was also involved in the drafting of several anti-discrimination bills in the region and demonstrated fine capacity for cooperation with state institutions.
”We are convinced that Miletić is dedicated advocate of human rights and will prove to be an immeasurable asset to his country, which is why we recommend his appointment to this office. We are convinced that his appointment as the first Equality Commissioner would mark the successful start of implementation of the Law on Prevention of Discrimination”, Elliott wrote in his letter to Slavica Đukić Dejanović. (Source: Udruženje Q)
