Republic of Serbia Human Rights Council Forum on Minority Issues Second Session Item 5 Geneva, 12-13 November 2009 Statement by Mrs. Marija Stajić - Radivojša Third Secretary Madame Chair, The Republic of Serbia is deeply committed to the promotion and protection of human rights, including rights of minorities. We share the view of the Independent Expert on Minority Issues, Mrs. Gay McDougal, that an adequate representation of minorities in policy is instrumental in breaking the cycle of discrimination and exclusion, and a basis for the full enjoyment of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights. The Constitution of the Republic of Serbia guarantees special individual and collective rights to persons belonging to national minorities in addition to the rights guaranteed to all citizens. Among others, these rights allow minorities to take part in decision-making or deciding independently on certain issues related to their culture, education, information and official use of languages and script through their collective rights. In addition, when taking up employment in state bodies, public services, bodies of autonomous province and local self-government units, the ethnic structure of population and appropriate representation of members of national minorities are to be taken into consideration. Let me highlight some of the latest developments and accomplishments in the Republic of Serbia aimed at effective participation of minorities. In order to exercise the right to self-governance in the field of culture, education, information and official use of their language and script, persons belonging to national minorities have the constitutional right to elect their national councils. To further enforce this right, the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia adopted on 31 August 2009 the Law on National Councils of National Minorities. In accordance with