Human Rights Defenders in Serbia are subjected to threats, physical attacks, fiscal harassment and negative media reporting resulting in stigmatisation. There is one report of an attempted murder of a prominent human rights defender. At particular risk are defenders working in the fields of transitional justice and minority rights, in particular LGBTI rights.

Many of the most influential human rights organisations, working on issues such as war crimes, transitional justice, Kosovo, organised crime and corruption, are led by women. As well as facing the same forms of threat and harassment as that of male human rights defenders, these women HRDs face additional threats, such as discrimination, sexual abuse and derogatory remarks based on their gender. Human rights defenders outside the capital are more vulnerable to attacks and harassment as they are more isolated and distant from the protection networks that exist in Belgrade. This situation is particularly concerning for women defenders working in rural areas as they operate in a more conservative environment in terms of gender roles and with an increasing influence of the church and nationalist movements

An increasing number of violations against HRD’s rights have been recorded since the end of 2004. There is concern that a lack of initiative on the part of the state institutions to deal with past human rights violations – particularly in relation to Serbia’s role in the Balkan war - as well as the strengthening of right-wing political parties and extreme nationalist groups could be seen as a cause for deterioration of the situation of human rights defenders. Media organisations and journalists reporting war crimes and past abuses as well as those expressing critical views of the Government have reported incidents of vandalism, harassment and intimidation and even bomb threats.

Despite the fact that homosexuality was decriminalized in 1994, LGBTI rights defenders, particularly those with a public profile have reported incidents of attack and intimidation from right-wing groups. Internet forums hosting online discussions have regularly included postings containing hate speech and advocating attacks on LGBTI groups and disruption of activities or mobilizations organised by LGBTI organisations.

Prior to, and in reaction to the declaration of Kosovo’s independence in February 2008, there was a reported increase in the number of threats and restrictions against human rights defenders and human rights organisations.

Levels of impunity for violations against HRDs remain high: research by human rights defenders in to the State’s response to politically motivated assaults conducted in the period October 2006 – April 2007, revealed that perpetrators of 85 out of 119 recorded incidents were not caught. In 34 incidents with clear evidence regarding the perpetrator's identity there was no information on an adequately conducted investigation, or the prosecution and punishment of these persons.

NGOs in Serbia are required to pay taxes at 5 per cent on all grants received from private donors as well as foreign donors. In addition they must pay 18% tax on domestic grants. During her 2007 country visit to Serbia the UN SRSG called for a tax exemption regime for non-profit organizations which would help establish a stronger framework for the freedom of association.