24 April 2013: Serbia has acceded to the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)-World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe (WHO/Europe) Protocol on Water and Health to the UNECE Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (UNECE Water Convention).

Serbia followed a two-year process leading to accession, which engaged stakeholders, and included workshops and media outreach in part to increase participation of local communities in activities that will be taken under the Protocol. One of the main challenges faced by Serbia includes addressing the gap between urban and rural access to water supply and sanitation.

Once the Protocol enters into force for Serbia on 15 July 2013, it will set water and health targets for all aspects of the water cycle. Serbia will also participate in the Meeting of the Parties (MOP) to the Protocol, taking place from 25-27 November 2013, in Oslo, Norway, which will set the programme of work for the upcoming triennium addressing issues including: equitable access to water and sanitation; small-scale water supply and sanitation; and safe and efficient management of water supply and sanitation systems. [UNECE Press Release]