Serb List with UNMIK: Serbs exposed to institutional repression, we seek stronger protection

Representatives of the Serb List held a meeting today at the party headquarters with a UNMIK delegation led by the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General and head of UNMIK, Peter Due, with whom they discussed the position of the Serb people, the security situation, and the work of local institutions.

According to a statement, during the meeting, representatives of the Serb List pointed to the extremely difficult position of the Serb people and assessed that Serbs are being subjected to continuous institutional repression, reflected in the daily violation of their basic human, political, and property rights.

"Particular attention was drawn to cases of illegal demolition of buildings, unjustified detentions, excessive use of force and brutal beatings of citizens, with particular reference to the case of Nenad Raskovic. Such actions are creating additional fear and insecurity among the Serb population and require a clear and unequivocal response from international representatives," the statement said.

It added that the meeting expressed clear opposition to the announced changes in KFOR's presence on the bridge over the Ibar, as well as near the Visoki Decani Monastery, with the assessment that any decision that could reduce the security of the Serb people and the Serbian Orthodox Church would be unacceptable.

"Attention was also drawn to the obstruction of the work of local self-government by the central institutions, which directly hampers the functioning of the municipality and the exercise of the rights and interests of citizens," the statement added.

Representatives of the Serb List expressed their full support for the continuation of UNMIK's work, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1244, as well as for regular and objective reporting to the United Nations Security Council on the situation on the ground.

At the same time, it was emphasized that UNMIK is expected to clearly and precisely point out in its reports specific cases of violations of the rights of the Serb people and the institutional pressure to which Serbs are being subjected.

"International missions, in accordance with their mandates, must be more active in protecting the peace, security and basic rights of the Serb people and objectively and promptly inform the international community about the situation on the ground," the Serb List said.