GENEVA - A UN expert* today welcomed the recent withdrawal of a proposed development project that would have involved the destruction of the Generalštab complex in Belgrade.
The complex was hit by the 1999 NATO bombing and is a protected cultural monument that represents a site of exceptional historical, cultural, and symbolic significance for Serbia.
"Cultural heritage sites such as the Generalštab complex are not only architectural landmarks, they also embody historical experience, memory, and cultural identity," said Alexandra Xanthaki, the UN Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights.
"Decisions involving protected sites must be grounded in legality, transparency, meaningful participation, and the protection and promotion of cultural rights."
The demolition project had generated widespread concern and deep societal divisions, as public protests indicated strong opposition to the destruction of the Generalštab complex and other protected buildings, regarded as central to Serbia's historical cultural identity.
"The protected site symbolises the country's collective experience and memory of the past. Its demolition was seen as erasing a vital chapter of national and international history," Xanthaki said.
The withdrawal of the proposal coincided with the recent indictment of the Minister of Culture, Nikola Selaković, and three other officials by Serbia's Public Prosecutor for Organized Crime on allegations of abuse of office.
"A strong culture of the rule of law is essential to ensure the full enjoyment of all human rights. This requires a clear separation of powers, an independent judiciary, and an executive that refrains from impeding or interfering with the work of other institutions, so that judges and prosecutors can carry out their functions free from political or any other undue influence," she said.
The Special Rapporteur welcomed the decision of the developer to withdraw from the project along with their acknowledgement that "meaningful projects should unite rather than divide" and emphasised the importance of full public participation in the decision-making process.
She had previously expressed concerns to Serbian authorities about the removal of historical buildings from the protected list and the lack of public consultation, warning of serious risk to heritage protection in Serbia. In response, the Government reiterated its commitment to the highest standards of cultural rights protection and sustainable use of cultural heritage.
"This is an opportunity to ensure that any future use of the Generalštab site is based on meaningful participation by people and communities," Xanthaki said. "Development and investment can coexist with the protection of cultural heritage and human rights. Respecting cultural rights strengthens public trust, education, democratic governance, and sustainable urban development."
Xanthaki also commended the vital role played by civil society and students in raising awareness, promoting public participation, defending cultural rights, and advocating for the protection of cultural heritage throughout this process.
"I call on the Serbian Government to urgently reinstate the protected status of the Generalštab complex," the expert said. "Investors should avoid projects that fail to respect public participation and the rule of law."
The expert remains ready to engage with the Government to enforce the rule of law, foster cooperation, and support the implementation of international human rights law and cultural rights standards.
