Response to Minister Paunović
We, the undersigned non governmental organizations dedicated to protecting the rights, advancing the position, and empowering the Serbian community in Kosovo, strongly condemn the recent statement by Snežana Paunović, Serbia’s Minister of Public Administration and Local Self Government, in which she justified and normalized the idea of ethnic cleansing in Kosovo. We consider such rhetoric to constitute hate speech, dehumanizing discourse, and a dangerous attempt to normalize the concept of ethnic cleansing in public discourse.
It is particularly alarming that such statements come from holders of the highest public offices. Their words are not merely personal political opinions. They carry institutional authority, shape public discourse, and influence the boundaries of what a society comes to regard as politically acceptable.
The greatest cost of such statements is not borne by the politicians who make them, but by the Serbian community in Kosovo. These narratives deepen mistrust between communities, further undermine the position of Kosovo Serbs, and are often used to justify policies and measures that restrict the rights and civic space of our community.
The Serbian community in Kosovo does not need nationalist populism or inflammatory rhetoric. It needs responsible policies from Belgrade that consistently place the interests of the community first and contribute to creating conditions for a peaceful, secure, and dignified life in Kosovo. Any policy that produces the opposite effect does not protect the Serbian community. It further weakens its position and undermines its future.
As organizations that work daily with citizens and are committed to protecting the rights, security, and dignity of the Serbian community in Kosovo, we believe we have a responsibility to respond clearly and unequivocally to any rhetoric that incites hatred, deepens divisions, or undermines the prospects for peaceful coexistence.
Centre for Affirmative Social Actions (CASA)
New Social Initiative (NSI)
Institute for Territorial Economic Development – InTER
AKTIV
