Taking part in the panel on mental health, the Chairman of the Health and Family Committee Prim. Doc. Dr Darko Laketic drew attention to the cumulative effect of the coronavirus pandemic, as well as all the unpleasant events of the past 30 years, on the citizens’ mental health. Laketic pointed out that prejudice and stigmatisation of people with mental problems who need the support of psychologists and clinical psychiatrists is a big problem and that it is necessary to break away from these stereotypes and understand the importance of the mental health for the whole society. It is also vital to provide free mental health care to all the citizens, concluded the Health and Family Committee Chairman.

Addressing the panel on intergenerational solidarity, the Chairman of the Committee on Human and Minority Rights and Gender Equality Dr Muamer Bacevac emphasised the importance of this topic which is not sufficiently visible in society. He opined that though one can lead a quality and fulfilling life in old age, there is another image of old age - poverty, social exclusion, prejudice, illness and loss of loved ones, when society and the family itself do not provide sufficient support to older people. That is why intergenerational solidarity, respect and understanding are needed to build a more humane society, stressed Bacevac. He said our task should be to promote activities and measures in the field of social welfare and healthcare, culture and education, as well as volunteer work. A humane relationship and understanding is something we can all provide to the elderly that does not require financial resources or institutional arrangement, emphasised Dr Muamer Bacevac. Through the cooperation of all competent state authorities and non-governmental organisations and through partnerships, we will create an environment in which our older fellow citizens will feel comfortable, concluded the Chairman of the Committee on Human and Minority Rights and Gender Equality.

Committee member Olja Petrovic addressed the panel "Leave Noone Behind - Who is Invisible in Serbia" on behalf of the Committee on Labour, Social Issues, Social Inclusion and Poverty Reduction. She stressed that the protection and promotion of human rights is a priority area for the Republic of Serbia, as evidenced by the fact that a constitutional, legislative and institutional framework, fully in line with international standards, has been established in the field of human rights protection. Petrovic went on to point out that, at the national level, a series of strategies, laws and other normative acts have been adopted that regulate the improvement and protection of human rights.

"By fully protecting human rights, the risk of social exclusion and poverty of vulnerable social groups such as the homeless, people being treated or having been treated for addiction and people who served prison terms, is reduced " concluded Petrovic. They are exposed to marginalisation and social exclusion, and it is necessary to work on raising awareness in society in order to develop greater empathy and sensitivity for the living conditions of people who belong to this group, emphasised the member of the Committee on Labour, Social Issues, Social Inclusion and Poverty Reduction.