The Centre for International Law and Economics of the Institute of International Politics and Economics (IIPE), in cooperation with the Center for Research in Ibero-American Studies (CEIB) at Rey Juan Carlos University, organised a roundtable entitled “Comparative Human Rights: Lessons from Ibero-America and Serbia”. The event brought together scholars and researchers to discuss contemporary developments in International Law and Human Rights protection in the Ibero-American and European regions.
The roundtable was opened by Prof. Dr. Mihajlo Vučić, Deputy Director of the Institute and Head of the Research Department, and Prof. Dr. Cástor Miguel Díaz Barrado, Full Professor of International Law at Rey Juan Carlos University and Director of CEIB. Welcoming the participants, Prof. Dr. Vučić introduced the history, mission, and research activities of the IIPE.
Professor Díaz Barrado reflected on Ibero-American identity and its historical and contemporary links with Serbia. He highlighted Spain’s support for the European Union (EU) enlargement process and emphasised the shared commitment to international law, democracy, human rights, and sustainable development as a solid basis for strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Dr. Jelica Gordanić, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute, presented an analysis of the Spanish Charter of Digital Rights as a potential model for Serbia’s digital transformation. She underlined that technological development and the growing use of artificial intelligence should remain firmly grounded in the protection of human rights and a human-centred approach.
Prof. Dr. María Sagrario Morán Blanco, Full Professor of International Law and International Relations at Rey Juan Carlos University, examined organised crime and drug trafficking as transnational challenges affecting both Latin America and Europe. She discussed their political, social, and environmental consequences and stressed the need for stronger international cooperation in addressing these issues.
Dr. Sanja Jelisavac Trošić, Principal Research Fellow at the Institute, focused on the economic dimension of human rights within Serbia’s EU accession process. She emphasised the importance of labour rights, consumer protection, and the effective implementation of reforms, arguing that economic development and the protection of human rights should progress hand in hand.
Prof. Dr. Carlos Fernández Liesa, Full Professor of International Law and International Relations at Carlos III University of Madrid and a member of the United Nations Human Rights Committee, explored the evolution of the Inter-American human rights system and its contribution to the development of international human rights law. He identified inequality, poverty, and insecurity among the region’s most pressing challenges.
MA Marina Radovanović, Research Associate at the Institute, analysed the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum and its implications for Serbia and Spain. Her presentation focused on current efforts to establish a more coherent migration management framework while safeguarding fundamental rights.
The roundtable concluded with a lively discussion on the lessons that the Western Balkans could draw from Latin America’s experience in combating drug trafficking, the prospects for strengthening Latin America–Africa cooperation, the right to self-determination in the context of Catalonia, and the role of women in organised crime alongside public perceptions of drug trafficking. The event concluded with a visit to the Institute’s library.
