Addressing the Inter-Parliamentary Union Gojkovic said that this year Serbia celebrates 125 years of membership in the organisation and remains devoted to the high standards of representative democracy, rule of law, human rights and gender equality which are implemented in Serbia, as well as peace, security and peaceful co-existence with the neighbours in the Balkans and Europe.

Speaking on the topic of the autumn session, “Human rights abuses as precursors of conflict: Parliaments as early responders”, Gojkovic emphasised the importance of role the parliament plays in the protection of human rights, stating that parliaments are the central place for the protection of human rights in democratic countries.

The parliament’s key task is to pass laws which will safeguard human rights, said Gojkovic adding that by ratifying international legal mechanisms, parliaments and states guarantee that human rights will be respected.

The National Assembly Speaker said that it is essential that the parliaments be open to debate and the public, that they have to make sure each voice is heard, which the parliament of the Republic of Serbia is fully committed to.

“In Serbia, we spare no effort to bring the parliament closer to the citizens so that they can address their representatives if they believe that they need help in defending their rights”, stressed Gojkovic.

In Geneva, Gojkovic will also meet with IPU President Saber Chowdhury.

The National Assembly delegation also comprises MPs Milorad Mijatovic, Snezana Bogosavljevic Boskovic, Mladen Grujic and Sanda Raskovic Ivic, as well as National Assembly Secretary General Svetislava Bulajic.