The UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances (CED) has issued its findings for five countries—including Serbia—following its latest review session. Alongside Serbia, the report covers Belgium, the Central African Republic, Gambia, and Malta.
Each country’s findings include key concerns and recommendations related to the implementation of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, as well as positive observations made during the monitoring process.
Regarding Serbia, the Committee called on the country to make significant changes to its legal framework and approach to justice.
The Committee recommended that Serbia “criminalize enforced disappearance as a separate offense, review the penalties and statutes of limitations to reflect the gravity of the crime, and broaden the definitions of victims to ensure full inclusion and reparations for all affected individuals.”
The UN body also expressed concern over Serbia’s refusal to extradite citizens wanted by Kosovo’s judicial authorities, as well as the classification of key military and police archives, which it says hinders ongoing investigations.
