At the YDF Career Center, on Friday, February 20, YDF Talks were held on the topic “The Role of the Protector of Citizens in Realizing the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.”
The guest speaker was Jablanka Tabaš, Acting Assistant to the Protector of Citizens (Ombudsman), who presented to participants the work of this institution and the available mechanisms for protecting the rights of persons with disabilities.
During the discussion, participants had the opportunity to learn how the institution of the Protector of Citizens contributes to improving the position of persons with disabilities, protecting their rights, as well as how to submit a complaint in cases of rights violations committed by administrative authorities.
The institution of the Protector of Citizens was introduced into the legal system of the Republic of Serbia by the Law on the Protector of Citizens (2005), and its constitutional status was confirmed in the Constitution of the Republic of Serbia (2006), Article 138.
The Protector of Citizens is an independent and autonomous state authority that strengthens the principles of the rule of law, supervises the work of administrative bodies and public services, and raises public awareness of the importance and protection of human rights.
Mandate and Powers of the Protector of Citizens- The Protector of Citizens monitors respect for citizens’ rights and determines whether those rights have been violated through actions, decisions, or omissions of administrative authorities, particularly in situations involving breaches of national laws, regulations, or general acts.
In addition to this oversight role, the institution also has a normative function, which includes providing opinions on legislation and initiating its improvement.
It is important to note that the Protector of Citizens is not authorized to oversee the work of the National Assembly, the President of the Republic, the Government, the Constitutional Court, courts, or public prosecutors.
The Protector of Citizens pays particular attention to ensuring and safeguarding the rights of persons with disabilities through:
- handling complaints related to the rights of persons with disabilities,
- launching investigations ex officio,
- acting as the independent mechanism for monitoring the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities,
- the work of the Protector’s Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Participants were also provided with practical information on:
Who can submit a complaint: any individual who believes their rights have been violated by an administrative body.
Concerning whose actions/inactions: administrative authorities and public services.
When: when a citizen believes that a right has been violated through an act, action, or failure to act.
How: in person, by mail, or electronically, through a simple and accessible procedure.
Contact Information:
PROTECTOR OF CITIZENS
Deligradska 16, 11000 Belgrade
Phone: +381 11 2068-100
Web: http://www.ombudsman.rs
E-mail: pisarnica@ombudsman.rs
YDF extends its gratitude to Jablanka Tabaš and the Office of the Protector of Citizens for their cooperation and for an open, informative discussion.
Such events contribute to expanding knowledge about human rights protection mechanisms and strengthening the position of persons with disabilities in society.
This activity is implemented as part of the “Employment Program for Persons with Disabilities in the Open Labor Market,” funded by the City of Belgrade, Secretariat for Social Protection.
