Having been born in Serbia, with family and friends still residing in the country, the current state of political unrest is deeply troubling to me. Recent actions by the Serbian government have escalated beyond control, plunging the nation into a time of crisis. Actively suppressing peaceful protests and employing force against its citizens, the Serbian government is disrupting democratic norms and violating human rights.

On numerous occasions, peaceful protesters have been met with excessive police force and tear gas. These actions have sparked international condemnation, including from organizations like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, who have reported grave human rights violations taking place. The citizens of Serbia are courageously demanding their rights to freedom of speech and assembly, free elections and free media, yet their voices are being silenced with brutality.

The silence from international allies, including Canada, only serves to perpetuate this mistreatment. As a nation that values human rights and democracy, Canada has a responsibility to take a stand against such autocratic behavior. The Canadian government should issue a formal condemnation of the Serbian government’s actions and work within international forums to advocate for the protection of Serbian citizens' rights and freedoms.

Calling upon Canadian Foreign Minister to address this issue is crucial in sending a strong message to the Serbian authorities. By taking a stand, Canada can demonstrate its commitment to international human rights and diplomatic influence.

Encourage the Canadian government to take action and support the brave citizens of Serbia who risk their safety every day for the sake of democracy. Sign this petition to demand a decisive response and help end the violent political crackdown in Serbia.

The signatures will be forwarded to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand upon the conclusion of the petition campaign.