Special Rapporteur Mary Lawlor Faces Questions on Addressing Rights Violations in the Presheva Valley
Prominent human rights advocate Kaltrina Kamberi has publicly challenged UN Special Rapporteur Mary Lawlor over her silence on the systemic violation of Albanian minority rights in Serbia’s Presheva Valley. While Lawlor recently condemned Serbian authorities for violent crackdowns on student protests, she has yet to address the enduring discrimination faced by the Albanian community in the region.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Lawlor called on Serbian authorities to cease arbitrary arrests, harassment, and other forms of repression against protestors. However, Kamberi responded by questioning whether Lawlor’s concerns extended to the Albanian minority, which continues to face widespread marginalization under the Serbian government.
Kamberi’s Call for Accountability
“Will you also express concern about the violations of Albanian rights by the Belgrade regime? Or is this issue not equally troubling?” Kamberi wrote on X. She urged Lawlor to take concrete action to address the plight of all communities in Serbia, not just the Serbian majority.
Kamberi’s remarks highlight ongoing grievances in the Presheva Valley, where Albanians allege systemic discrimination, including:
- Passive Address Removal: A practice by Serbian authorities that effectively erases Albanians from voter rolls and public records.
- Limited Access to Employment: Exclusion from public sector jobs and local governance.
- Education Disparities: Non-recognition of diplomas from Albanian institutions.
European Concerns and Persistent Violations
The European Commission and Germany’s Foreign Ministry raised alarms last year over Serbia’s discriminatory policies, particularly the removal of Albanian addresses. These practices, they argued, violate Serbia’s obligations to protect minority rights under EU accession agreements.
Despite international attention, progress remains elusive. Protests in 2023 by Albanians in the Presheva Valley called for immediate reforms, including equitable access to employment, education, and political representation. Yet, Kamberi and others argue that without stronger international pressure on President Aleksandar Vučić’s administration, meaningful change is unlikely.
A Community Marginalized
According to Serbia’s most recent census, Albanians constitute the fourth-largest ethnic minority, with approximately 61,000 individuals registered. Advocacy groups claim the number is likely higher, as many Albanians have been effectively disenfranchised through administrative practices.
Kamberi’s challenge to Lawlor underscores a broader call for global institutions to address not only headline-grabbing protests but also the persistent, systemic oppression of minority communities. Whether the UN will respond to this plea remains uncertain.
