GENEVA  – An independent human rights expert* today expressed alarm over the ongoing and irreversible destruction of historical buildings in Belgrade and the repression against those trying to protect the site.

“By unilaterally removing the status of cultural property of historical sites, the Government of Serbia has stripped them of their legal protection. This has opened the door for private interest to purchase the sites and start demolition,” said Alexandra Xanthaki, the UN Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights.

“International law acknowledges the crucial role of cultural heritage in the protection and enjoyment of human rights. The deliberate destruction or damage of cultural heritage constitutes not only a violation of cultural rights but also a breach of broader human rights standards.”

The decision of the Government on 14 November did not follow the legal processes prescribed in the national law on heritage and was made without public discussion regarding the future use of these sites, and without proper consultation, Xanthaki said.

Collectives of citizens trying to physically prevent the destruction of the Old Sava Bridge through peaceful assembly have been removed by the police, and significant political pressure has allegedly been applied on cultural heritage institutions, to reduce public opposition to the decisions.

“Totally disregarding professional expertise and failing to conduct inclusive public consultations with all affected populations, directly undermines Serbia's obligations to protect its cultural heritage. Such actions violate the commitment to obtaining free, prior, and informed consent from impacted communities before proceeding with the destruction or alteration of cultural heritage sites,” the Xanthaki said.

“I am also very concerned about the government’s interference in the autonomy of cultural institutions, and the general climate of fear it has created about heritage protection in general in the country.”

The expert has been in contact with the Government of the Republic of Serbia regarding these issues and is awaiting a response from the authorities.