Acting upon Praxis’ complaint, the Commissioner for Protection of Equality established that the President of the Municipality of Kanjiza expressed a series of discriminatory views at the press conference held on 12 August 2015, which insulted the dignity of refugees and migrants. A day later, the statement was published on the website of the Municipality of Kanjiza under the name Standpoint of the Local Self-Government towards Migrants.

President of the Municipality of Kanjiza stated, among others, that “these foreigners do not possess the basic elements of common intelligence and culture…”, appealing to citizens to be ready when they are called to express their dissatisfaction. Praxis filed a complaint to the Commissioner for Protection of Equality, stating that this statement causes humiliating and insulting environment for refugees and contributes to spreading of prejudice, bigotry and intolerance. Praxis also noted that this statement has special significance since it is given by the public authority.

The Commissioner for Protection of Equality recommended to the President of the Municipality of Kanjiza to issue a public apology, not to give or publish statements which insult dignity and support prejudices against refugees and to contribute by his acting to reduction of xenophobia, racism and discrimination and increase of tolerance towards refugees. Acting upon the recommendation of the Commissioner, the President of the Municipality of Kanjiza published the apology on the website of the Municipality of Kanjiza, which reflects the efficiency of this anti-discrimination protection mechanism.

The Commissioner’s opinion is important because it reminds the public authorities that they need to be aware of the responsibility for publicly spoken word, as well as of the obligation not to incite bigotry and intolerance in society.