Commissioner for Information of Public Importance, Mr. Rodoljub Sabic spoke today with the Commissioner for Civil Rights Protection (Ombudsman) Mr. Sasa Jankovic on problems and experience in the field of civil rights protection and modalities for future cooperation. In observation that it is very important to promptly enable preconditions for initiating Ombudsman's work, Commissioner Sabic expressed personal readiness and readiness of the Commissioner's Department to provide support and assistance.

In view of that, Mr. Rodoljub Sabic stated:

„By selecting Commissioner for Civil Rights Protection, the National Parliament has made an important step in establishing another institution relevant for democratic society. Ombudsman's appointment is essential and first precondition for setting up another form of civil rights protection, which is provided for both in Constitution and the Law, and in binding recommendation by the Group of States Against Corruption (GRECO).

Unquestionably, to establish Ombudsman institution is not only the matter of formal liability set in our Constitution and Law, i.e. in recommendations by international initiatives, but, what is more important, it is the matter of objective social and civil needs. That is why it is important to, without delay, provide legal, material, logistic and other preconditions for initiation of its factual operation. It would be truly bad, irresponsible and incomprehensible if unpleasant experience shared by the Information Commissioner repeated in case of Ombudsman.

Ombudsman should substantially contribute to the promotion of human rights and resolve numerous problems generated due to irresponsibility, idleness, misuse, corruption etc. But, in order to do that, it is necessary for him to be provided with basic work preconditions. That is why, as a citizen and colleague, and protector of a segment in human rights, I appeal to authorities, National Parliament and the Government of the Republic of Serbia to have these preconditions provided, without delay.“