More than half of young people in Serbia believe that environmental degradation affects vulnerable groups the most and further brings them to the margin of the society. These groups have fewer resources and weaker representation compared to the majority of the population to protect themselves from its consequences. This is one of the findings from the new Special Report on Youth and Environmental Rights presented in Belgrade today.
According to the research, conducted with 1,044 primary and secondary school students across Serbia, students identified children (59%), people living in poverty (56%), national minorities (53%), as well as older people and persons with disabilities (42% and 47%) as the most exposed to environmental problems. One in three respondents (34%) believes that children are the most affected group, followed by minority communities, economically vulnerable citizens, older people and persons with disabilities. At the same time, 30% of surveyed students were unable to identify which group is most at risk, pointing to gaps in access to information.
These findings reflect a strong awareness among youth of how environmental degradation deepens existing inequalities and mirrors their understanding of vulnerability, discrimination and unequal access to rights, safety and resources.
Opening the event, Thorsten Afflerbach, Head of Inclusion and Anti-discrimination Programmes Division at the Council of Europe, said that environmental rights must be accessible to everyone, without discrimination, and youth participation must be treated not as a courtesy, but as a cornerstone of democratic resilience. "When young people are equipped, respected, and included, environmental protection becomes more than an obligation- it becomes a shared cultural practice that strengthens our societies," Afflerbach concluded.
At today’s event, speakers underlined that environmental protection cannot be separated from equality and non-discrimination, and that the perceptions and expectations of young people should guide future institutional and policy responses. The report also emphasises the importance of youth participation in shaping environmental policies and ensuring that environmental rights are realised for all groups without discrimination.
The initiative is carried out withing the European Union and Council of Europe joint programme "Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Turkiye", in partnership with the Protector of Citizens, the Panel of Young Advisors and civil society organisations, ensuring that young people’s insights contribute directly to recommendations and future decision-making.
