Children’s Right to Protest: Strikes, Corruption, and the Fight for Democracy in Serbia

Blog by Sasha Stefanovic, Director of Eurochild member MODS - Network of Organisations for Children of Serbia.

A massive protest is currently underway in Serbia, uniting students, university professors, farmers, citizens and educators from high schools and elementary schools. The movement has drawn widespread participation, highlighting deep-rooted concerns and demands across various sectors of society. This has raised questions about whether teachers on strike are violating children’s right to education. Specifically, do children have the right to protest and block schools? Is this an issue of the right to participate, or something else?

The origins of this movement trace back to a tragic event in November 2024 when 15 people lost their lives due to the collapse of a canopy at the train station in Novi Sad. Many believe the disaster was a direct consequence of government corruption. In response, citizens began observing a daily 15-minute moment of silence at the exact time of the collapse to honour the victims. Tensions escalated when students in Belgrade were physically attacked, prompting widespread protests and leading to the blockade of all state universities across Serbia.

We are deeply concerned about the frequent threats made to teachers and students that repressive measures will be used due to the suspension of classes. Children have the right to peaceful assembly (UNCRC Article 15) which is protected by numerous international and regional human rights instruments. The state has a responsibility to provide information and special protection to children who peacefully assemble. 

We invite the general public to respect the rights of children and young people to protest and by their example support respect for established rights, democratic principles, equality, tolerance, empathy and social responsibility - which is at the core of the demands of children and young people. Children have shown the capacity to understand the reasons for the gathering and the goals of the protest. This is an authentic initiative, which is why we cannot talk about the manipulation of children.

The situation is further aggravated by the lack of media freedom and longstanding smear campaigns targeting civil society organisations. These campaigns have sought to discredit activists and independent voices, creating an atmosphere of fear and repression. The combination of government corruption, media control, and attacks on protesters has fuelled widespread public outrage, intensifying the ongoing demonstrations for rule of law, independent, just, and accountable institutions.

We respectfully urge international organisations to actively monitor the situation in Serbia and to extend their support to children, students, educators, and all citizens of Serbia in upholding their right to peaceful protest, striving for a better society built on justice, empathy, and accountability.

Photo: Unknown author, found on social media.