BELGRADE - Economic development must go hand in hand with human rights protection, the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights said today.
"There is an urgent need for stronger accountability and a culture of responsible business," said the experts in a statement at the end of a visit to Serbia.
The experts - Lyra Jakulevičienė and Robert McCorquodale - welcomed Serbia's solid legal framework and ongoing progress to align with EU standards, including on environment and labour rights, but noted that implementation remains weak.
"We are concerned that institutions tasked with monitoring corporate conduct and ensuring accountability seem to lack the necessary independence, authority and provision of effective remedies to discharge their duty to protect human rights from business activity in line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights," the experts said.
The visit came amid nearly a year of nationwide protests, following the tragic collapse of the Novi Sad railway station canopy in 2024, which has been linked to alleged corruption in public procurement and construction processes. The experts expressed concern about the lack of transparency, accountability and access to justice in such cases.
They noted that civil society plays a crucial role in holding businesses accountable and amplifying the voices of those affected by corporate activities.
"During our visit, we received alarming reports of intimidation and attacks targeting civil society actors who have exposed harmful business practices or demanded corporate accountability," the Working Group said.
They stressed that economic development must take into account risks to people and the planet, calling for major projects to be conditioned on comprehensive environmental and human rights impact assessments, transparent data, public scrutiny, and independent oversight.
"Meaningful consultation with communities is essential to protect human rights, prevent and mitigate harm, including environmental damage, and is beneficial for businesses," the experts said. However, they received reports that some communities, including those in Bor and Loznica, are excluded from decision-making and are not provided with independent information or solutions on matters which affect their lives.
The experts welcomed Serbia's efforts in the areas on non-discrimination, protection of victims of trafficking, and occupational safety and health as a positive step toward strengthening preventive mechanisms and employer accountability. They noted that challenges persist, such as weak labour inspection, exploitation of foreign workers, and barriers to trade union registration and activities.
They engaged with representatives from the Government, businesses, trade unions, local communities, civil society and others in Belgrade, Bor, Loznica, Novi Sad and Zrenjanin.
The Working Group will present its report to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2026.
