Ministry of Human and Minority Rights Discriminates against Bosniaks

17. 7. 2010. The Youth Initiative for Human Rights (YIHR) demands that the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights, in keeping with provisions of the Anti-Discrimination Law, whose lawful implementation is in its jurisdiction, enable legitimately elected Bosniak representatives to commence work within their National Council.

On July 6, 2010, a day prior to the Bosniak National Council constitutive session, the Ministry enacted a new Rulebook on constitution of this Council. Under the new Rulebook, which was presented to attendees at the constitutive session itself, two-thirds of mandates need to be verified in order for the Bosniak National Council to be constituted.

In the Rulebook enacted on June 25, 2010, pursuant to which the other national councils were constituted, this provision does not exist. Representatives of the Ministry concluded that, under the new Rulebook, there did not exist the required two-thirds majority and that the National Council had not been constituted. In Novi Pazar Municipal Assembly 17 members from the Bosniak Cultural Community ticket and two members from the Bosniak Revival ticket were present on the occasion, and upon the Ministry representatives’ departure they resumed the session, enacted the Statute and elected National Council bodies.

By enacting a new Rulebook on constitution of the Bosniak National Council, which differs from the rulebook pursuant to which other national councils were constituted, the Ministry violated the Anti-Discrimination Law pursuant to which this very Ministry is in charge of supervision over its lawful implementation. Statement given by Petar Antić, Assistant Minister, according to which the Rulebook was amended “having in mind stability and specificity of the Bosniak national minority”, seriously brings into question capacities of the Ministry representatives to adequately contribute to protection and development of the culture of respect for human and minority rights in Serbia.

Through its illegal actions and intemperate statements, the Ministry is contributing to stirring tensions in Sandžak, while on the other hand the Government is not doing anything to defuse political tensions in Sandžak. YIHR hereby warns that potentially calling new elections for the Bosniak National Council would deepen the rift existing between the Bosniak minority and authorities in Belgrade, especially in light of announcements made by representatives of the Bosniak Cultural Community that they would boycott new elections.

Apropos discrimination enforced by the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights, YIHR has called on the Commissioner for Equality Protection Nevena Petrušić to promptly react and prevent further discrimination against national councils in Serbia.

Enclosed is the Youth Initiative for Human Rights’ report on the Bosniak National Council constitution process, based on results of the research conducted in Sandžak.

For further information regarding this matter please contact YIHR Human Rights Program Coordinator Maja Mićić via the following telephone number +381 11 337 07 47 or e-mail address: maja.micic@yihr.org.