Freedom from slavery, trafficking and forced labour
A person cannot be owned or traded.
What does this right mean?
A person cannot be owned or traded. Work must not be extracted through threats or exploitation of vulnerability.
Why does it matter?
Work must not be extracted through threats or exploitation of vulnerability.
Everyday examples
An employer keeps a worker’s passport and threatens them if they try to leave.
Legal basis
Universal Declaration of Human Rights — provisions 4. International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights — provisions 8. European Convention on Human Rights — provisions 4. Constitution of the Republic of Serbia — provisions 26.
Serbia framework
Constitution of the Republic of Serbia — provisions 26.
Slavery and trafficking are prohibited. Narrowly defined lawful duties are distinguished from forced labour and must meet the applicable safeguards.
Checked 22 October 2026.
International framework
- Universal Declaration of Human Rights — provisions 4.
- International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights — provisions 8.
- European Convention on Human Rights — provisions 4.
The Declaration is a common international standard; the Covenants, Convention and Constitution have different protection mechanisms.
Checked 22 October 2026.