OSCE Mission to Serbia gives Novi Pazar's youth a voice in fighting corruption

Going through school, finding a job and starting life as an adult is difficult anywhere. But in the south-western Serbian city of Novi Pazar, the presence of corruption at all levels of society makes things even harder by dashing the hope that hard work and integrity are sufficient to get ahead in life.

The young people of Novi Pazar comprise around 35 per cent of the population, making it one of the youngest cities in Serbia. However, despite the great potential of its predominantly young population, the city continues to be dominated by poverty, unemployment, socio-cultural tensions and above all corruption.

Corruption as a way of life

"Corruption in Novi Pazar has become a way of life, a mentality, and that needs to change," says Dzevid Sadovic, a student and one of 500 participants in a recent opinion survey supported by the OSCE Mission to Serbia.

The survey was part of a project to boost youth involvement in Novi Pazar's democratic process and the battle against corruption. The project was supported by the OSCE Mission and implemented by the Novi Pazar office of the European Movement in Serbia and the "Damad" Cultural Centre.

One of the main aims of the survey was to give youth a voice by asking them about their experiences with corruption in Novi Pazar as well as their faith - or lack of it - in local institutions. In addition, there were seven public discussion panels as well as various public awareness raising activities.

Low public confidence

The findings of the survey were presented at a press conference on 24 September in Novi Pazar. It showed that young people have less than 20 per cent (or in some cases as low as 10 per cent) confidence in local self-government institutions, the police and the judiciary.

The all-pervasive nature of corruption was shown by the fact that 66 per cent of respondents said they would offer bribes to get better medical treatment, while 17 per cent would offer bribes to find employment.

Serious desire for change

"The findings of the research show a very serious desire by young people to initiate change," says Ruth Van Rhijn, Head of the Mission to Serbia's Rule of Law and Human Rights Department.

"They also present good recommendations for the local government with regard to designing and establishing specialized institutions to combat corruption," she adds.

The public awareness elements of the project included the production and distribution of leaflets and stickers, anti-corruption billboards and promoting public discussion through the media. The results of the research were distributed to local institutions and the project was covered on local television.

Yet despite the seemingly widespread passive acceptance of corruption indicated by the survey, there is hope for launching a serious battle against it.

Enthusiastic participation

"Initiating a dialogue on corruption at the level of local self-government requires courage," says Bisera Seceragic, who heads the Novi Pazar office of the European Movement in Serbia.

"The most pleasant surprise in carrying out this project was the people's willingness and enthusiasm to participate both in the questionnaire and in raising public awareness."

And Dzevid Sadovic adds: "I hope that this public awareness campaign and support by international organizations such as the OSCE will stimulate some change in the local self-government's approach to battling corruption.

"I don't think this project by itself will eliminate corruption in Novi Pazar but I think it's a good beginning," he concludes.