The United Nations has sharply criticized Serbia for failing to ensure accountability one year after the tragic collapse of a concrete shelter at the Novi Sad train station — an incident that killed 16 people and sparked nationwide protests. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called for renewed efforts to uncover the truth and deliver justice, emphasizing that accountability is essential to restoring public trust in institutions and upholding the rule of law.
“There has been no meaningful process to establish the truth or pursue justice for the tragedy that resulted in the death of 16 individuals at the Novi Sad train station,” Türk said in an official statement. “This, despite the persistent demands of tens of thousands of people who have taken to the streets calling for justice.”
The UN official also expressed deep concern about reports of violent attacks and arbitrary arrests of peaceful protesters and journalists during demonstrations in Serbia. “Many of these allegations remain uninvestigated and unpunished. Worse, such incidents continue to occur,” he added.
Mass Protests Mark One-Year Anniversary
On Saturday, more than 100,000 people gathered in Novi Sad to mark the first anniversary of the disaster that has become a symbol of corruption and government negligence in Serbia. The collapse of the recently renovated concrete canopy on November 1, 2024, shocked the nation and triggered a wave of political unrest that ultimately led to the fall of the government.
Demonstrators at the anniversary rally demanded new elections and justice for the victims. Many accused the authorities of covering up the case and protecting politically connected contractors who were allegedly responsible for poor construction standards.
One of the most emotional symbols of the movement is the mother of one of the victims, who has been on a hunger strike in front of the Serbian Parliament since Sunday. Hundreds of citizens continue to visit her daily, showing solidarity and demanding action from the authorities.
UN Calls for Independent and Transparent Investigations
Volker Türk urged the Serbian government to launch immediate, transparent, independent, and effective investigations into the train station collapse, noting that legal proceedings against those allegedly responsible have stalled for months.
The UN statement also called for similar investigations into allegations of arbitrary arrests and excessive use of force by police during protests across the country. Türk stressed that ensuring accountability in these cases is vital for Serbia’s democratic credibility.
“Respect for freedom of expression and peaceful assembly is fundamental to the functioning of a democratic society,” Türk said. “These values become even more critical in an environment as deeply polarized as Serbia’s today.”
Concerns Over Judicial Independence and EU Aspirations
The UN’s criticism echoes concerns raised by the European Commission, which recently published its annual Progress Report on Serbia. The report urged Belgrade to reduce political interference in the judiciary and the public prosecutor’s office — areas that remain key obstacles to Serbia’s EU accession.
Türk reiterated that judicial independence is the cornerstone of any democratic system and essential for rebuilding public confidence. “This is the only way to maintain people’s trust in the rule of law,” he emphasized.
The train station collapse and its aftermath have exposed systemic flaws in Serbia’s governance, from corruption in public infrastructure projects to the suppression of dissent. Civil society organizations and opposition figures have accused the government of attempting to silence critics rather than addressing the root causes of the tragedy.
A Test for Serbia’s Democratic Future
The Novi Sad disaster continues to resonate as a litmus test for Serbia’s commitment to justice, transparency, and democratic principles. A year after the tragedy, victims’ families and the public still await accountability, while institutions face growing scrutiny from both domestic and international actors.
As pressure mounts from the UN, the EU, and human rights advocates, the Serbian authorities must decide whether to confront corruption and impunity head-on or risk further erosion of public trust and international credibility.
In the words of Volker Türk, “Justice delayed is justice denied — and the people of Serbia deserve better.”