II. Serbia

D. Persons in a vulnerable situation

3. Homeless persons

52. Only limited attention seems to be paid to the problem of homelessness in Serbia, with little reliable data available. Many interlocutors viewed homelessness exclusively as persons “sleeping rough” or otherwise without any shelter.^[9] The Special Rapporteur was, however, informed that, even if such data existed, they would not be indicative of the real extent of the situation, given that the majority of homeless people live in overcrowded conditions, with relatives or friends. She was also informed that groups already subject to discrimination and exclusion, or extreme poverty, such as persons with psychosocial disabilities or LGBT persons, may be at an even greater risk of homelessness. Furthermore, there appear to be legal impediments to the establishment of shelters for homeless persons, and no provision for development by non-State entities. There is no statutory obligation for any public authority to act to address or to prevent homelessness.