Serb List meets Lopes: EULEX’s role must not be reduced to merely formally monitoring the situation

A Serb List delegation, led by party president Zlatan Elek, met with the new Head of EULEX, Antero Lopes, to discuss the problems facing the Serbian population in Kosovo and what they described as violations of Serbs’ fundamental human, civil and political rights.

Serb List representatives particularly drew attention to what they described in a statement as continued institutional pressure against the Serbian population, as well as pressure and unlawful treatment of Serbian representatives and municipal authorities.

According to the statement, such practices further undermine legal certainty, the functioning of local self-government and citizens’ confidence in institutions.

“During the meeting, it was emphasized that violations of Serbs’ rights, failure to comply with the law and abuse of institutional mechanisms have become a regular occurrence, while the absence of an adequate response by the competent institutions further encourages such practices and deepens the sense of insecurity among our people,” the statement said.

The Serb List delegation called on EULEX, in accordance with its mandate, to ensure continuous, objective and professional monitoring of the conduct of the Kosovo Police and correctional institutions, with particular attention to the treatment of members of the Serbian community, compliance with legal procedures, the rights of persons deprived of their liberty, and the prevention of all forms of discrimination, selective application of the law and institutional arbitrariness.

“It was particularly emphasized that EULEX’s role must not be reduced to merely formally monitoring the situation, but that it is necessary to identify all observed irregularities in a timely and impartial manner, accompanied by clear recommendations and concrete steps within the Mission’s mandate in order to prevent further violations of rights and ensure accountability for unlawful conduct,” the Serb List said.

They stressed that respect for the rule of law, the protection of fundamental human rights and the equal application of the law to all citizens constituted the minimum standards that must be ensured.

“The Serbian people must not be subjected to discrimination and institutional pressure without an adequate response from international missions tasked with monitoring the rule of law,” the Serb List statement concluded.