The Red Cross of Serbia has since the beginning of the epidemic supported all citizens in the Republic of Serbia. Through many years of its existence the organisation has worked on developing solidarity and humanity among persons and this is even more true now, during the coronavirus epidemic. The Red Cross of Serbia has welcomed some public persons from different walks of life among its ranks of volunteers as well. One of the volunteers is Brankica Jankovic, Commissioner for Protection of Equality, volunteering each Friday between 12 and 15 on the Red Cross of Serbia info telephone line providing support to older citizens in isolation.

During the conversations with the Commissioner so far, older persons were eager to share their experiences about spending time in 24-7 isolation, stating that the hardest part for them is being separated from their children and especially grandchildren. The questions posed to the Commissioner mostly had to do with extending electronic medical prescriptions and extending driving licence, as well as information on functioning of home care services during the state of emergency.

The Commissioner conveyed to the callers that she had, since the state of emergency has been declared, sent several appeals to the Government of Serbia, aiming to solve the issues faced by single parents, working parents of children with disabilities, persons with rare medical conditions, women targeted by partner and family abuse and persons from other groups at risk, as well as the initiative on adapting the process of paying different social transfers in this period.

This joint work between the Commissioner and the Red Cross of Serbia allows for insights into problems the citizens face in the current situation and for system solutions inasmuch as it is attainable during the state of emergency.