Antonijevic: The Commissioner’s reports show the state’s commitment to Presevo, Bujanovac and Medvedja

The Commissioner for the Protection of Equality, Milan Antonijevic, said that a draft bill on the alleged discrimination of Albanians in the “Presevo Valley,” presented in the United States Congress, is a signal for intensified dialogue as well as for demonstrating Serbia’s progress. He noted that the reports prepared by the institution he heads show a clear commitment—particularly to southern Serbia, Presevo, Bujanovac and Medvedja, and to dialogue, Euronews Serbia reported.

“This is a signal—not only a situation unfolding at this moment in Congress. It is a draft bill; it remains to be seen whether it will be adopted and subsequently confirmed in the Senate and signed by the President. There are many steps involved. But what the state of Serbia has been doing in recent years, as seen in the reports produced by my institution, is precisely a commitment—especially to southern Serbia, Presevo, Bujanovac and Medvedja, and to dialogue,” Antonijevic said.

He added that the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality has received complaints related to discrimination and that these have been addressed.

“As institutions, we have received numerous complaints related to discrimination—whether concerning hate graffiti that were promptly removed, other messages, or issues in education, which is also important, and many other everyday matters,” Antonijevic told Euronews Serbia.

He said it is necessary to conduct a campaign aimed at all citizens, because everyone living in Serbia is equal, and the campaign must be directed toward them.

“I know that it has been translated into Albanian, so outreach to the Albanian community is already under way. But every institution—whether the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality or ministries—must pay increased attention to everyone in local communities, especially those that may have a stronger element of internationalization, due to Kosovo, strong lobbying and Albania. You have seen the visit of Edi Rama to the Knesset, as well as developments in the United States. But within that strategic dialogue, Serbia can also open this topic. I believe that would be very significant—both to show what is being done and to signal to all institutions that they must pay increased attention. A great deal is already being done,” Antonijevic said.

He emphasized that close to 90 percent of recommendations are implemented within a short timeframe.

“We are present on the ground; we talk to people; we have conducted various trainings in education, specifically together with the National Council of the Albanian National Minority—which is very important. We have also provided training on how to file complaints, because all citizens of Serbia can submit complaints under the rules. We act on that basis and have various measures at our disposal. What is significant—also for the issue we are discussing today—is that an overwhelming percentage of these recommendations are implemented by state authorities. More than 80, close to 90 percent of recommendations are fulfilled within a short period,” Antonijevic said.

This, he added, also triggers systemic solutions and changes in laws and practice—whether regarding language use or other issues such as diploma recognition.

“These are all issues that Serbia is addressing. There are genuinely constructive solutions so that all citizens of Serbia are satisfied with the services provided by the state, feel safe, and have no outstanding concerns—especially in education, which is the most sensitive area. These are our children attending schools, and they must have a system that fully embraces them, provides new knowledge, and includes representatives of the Albanian minority within institutions,” Antonijevic said.

He noted that the issue of address deregistration warrants attention, but that work on these matters has been ongoing for a long time.

“We have not yet received complaints in this area, but it is one of the most important rights, especially in periods leading up to elections. If there is any unequal treatment, we will react. This is also a call to action: in the coming weeks we will be in Presevo, Bujanovac and Medvedja, and we will talk with the Albanian National Minority Council. It is important to open this dialogue and to rely on institutions in Serbia—whether independent bodies like the Commissioner’s institution or ministries and those addressing other issues,” the Commissioner said.

He added that issues should not be swept under the rug.

“This issue has emerged in the public sphere and deserves attention. It should not be ignored. Dialogue should perhaps also be opened with the competent ministry that can decide on these matters—whether the Ministry of the Interior or issues related to voter registers and others. These are all important topics, and I believe it is not merely the announcement of the adoption of this law that has prompted action; work on these issues has been ongoing for many years,” Antonijevic noted.

He also stressed the importance of raising awareness among Albanians about using state institutions.

“Awareness is being raised for the Albanian national minority to rely on Serbia’s institutions. Their capacities and ability to exercise their rights before our institutions are being strengthened. That is why I mentioned the law on registration—i.e., legalization of buildings—because it will also demonstrate the approach. I hope there will be a strong response from the Albanian national minority and others, showing both the Serbian state’s proactive stance and the willingness of all citizens to respect the law. In this way, they can make life easier for themselves and resolve many issues—property issues, as you will agree, are among the most important,” Antonijevic concluded.

Earlier today, the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania welcomed the presentation in the U.S. Congress of a draft bill on assessing discrimination in the “Presevo Valley,” which calls on the United States Department of State to report on Serbia’s treatment of ethnic minorities, with a particular focus on Albanians in the area. The ministry described it as a “significant institutional acknowledgment of the serious problems faced by Albanians in the Presevo Valley, especially the issue of address deregistration, and an important step toward serious consideration of these issues at the international level.”

The day before, Serbia’s Minister for Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue, Demo Berisa, told the head of the OSCE Mission to Serbia, Marcel Peska, that the National Council of the Albanian National Minority has consistently refused any form of dialogue and cooperation with the relevant ministry, adding that he is ready for talks whenever the other side finds it suitable.