European Cornerstones of Women’s Human Rights – Case Study of Serbia

Gasmi, Gordana (2016) European Cornerstones of Women’s Human Rights – Case Study of Serbia. In: Gender Equality in Defence System – Accomplishments and Trends. Institute of Strategic Research; Media Center "Odbrana", Belgrade, pp. 23-38. ISBN 978-86-81121-15-3

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Abstract

The paper analyzes European cornerstones of women’s human rights and provides insight in the state of women’s human rights in Serbia in light of European principles. Women’s human rights are an integral part of universal human rights. However, women are de facto and de jure very often subjected to unequal treatment, wherefore there is a constant need to improve gender equality. In addition to the usual approach to universal human rights, inherent to every human being, the definition of “women’s human rights” includes also the enforcement of specific affirmative actions aimed at achieving real equality for women. There are several areas of concern requiring immediate action and improving gender equality in order to obtain equal human rights opportunities for women. The European Union (EU) requires of candidate countries to fully embrace the fundamental principle of equality between women and men. Furthermore, monitoring the transposition, implementation and enforcement of EU legislation in this area remains a priority of the enlargement process. Accession to the EU is one of the main priorities of Serbia, like of many other Balkan countries. Consequently, Serbia is to transpose European principles on gender equality and to achieve gender mainstreaming in the national system. At the same time, Serbia, as an OSCE participating State, has recognized equality between men and women as a fundamental aspect of a just, secure and democratic society. A case study of Serbia in the field of protection of women’s human rights indicates that Serbia, as an OSCE participating State, has recognized gender equality as part of the universal human rights both in its Constitution and its relevant law. Serbia’s legal framework on women’s human rights is largely harmonized with the relevant European cornerstones. The importance of the European cornerstones lies in the fact that they represent important guidelines for transition countries, like Serbia, which are modernizing their societies and national legal frameworks, together with their public policy measures in the area of protecting women’s human rights.

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