For the past two weeks, residents and journalists in North Mitrovica have been unable to access information regarding birth and death registrations. The process was suspended in February by official order, but obtaining clear explanations or next steps has proven nearly impossible.
The local administration in North Mitrovica confirmed to KoSSev on March 18 that the registration process was halted due to a directive from Kosovo’s Ministry of Internal Affairs. However, efforts to obtain further details from both the ministry and local authorities have been met with silence.
Since receiving confirmation of the suspension, KoSSev has repeatedly inquired whether the process has resumed, when it might restart, and why it was halted. In response to their reporting, a municipal employee who provided information on the suspension even threatened a KoSSev journalist. More details on this incident are covered in a separate report.
Emails sent to both the municipality and the Ministry of Internal Affairs have gone unanswered. Official phone lines are either unreachable, non-functional, or simply left unanswered. On Wednesday, in an effort to gather more information, KoSSev reporters visited the local municipal office in person.
At the municipal counter, journalists were once again informed that birth and death registrations remain unavailable. When asked for further clarification, the civil registry office redirected them to Kosovo’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Local Government Administration in Pristina. Repeated calls to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, including to its secretary and public relations office, went unanswered. Attempts to contact North Mitrovica’s mayor, Erden Atić, were also unsuccessful.
Registration of Newborns and Deceased Halted in North Mitrovica Municipality
Citizens’ Rights at Risk?
Tijana Grujić, Deputy Program Director at the North Mitrovica-based NGO Center for Affirmative Social Actions (CASA), expressed surprise over the ongoing suspension, emphasizing the serious consequences for affected individuals and their families.
“If this also includes death registrations, then it is truly concerning, as these are two of the most fundamental life events, both of which trigger a chain of legal and administrative procedures,” Grujić stated.
She also pointed to a lack of transparency surrounding the issue, questioning whether other northern municipalities or different regions of Kosovo face the same problem.
“If only North Mitrovica is affected, we must determine the reason. It could be a technical issue and entirely justified. However, if no valid explanation exists, then this could indicate a discriminatory practice that violates citizens’ rights based on territorial principles,” she said.
Grujić stressed that while conclusions should not be drawn prematurely, the lack of public communication is unacceptable.
“Legal identity, meaning an individual’s recognition within a legal system through civil registration, is a fundamental human right. Authorities responsible for providing this service must treat the issue as urgent and offer alternative solutions until the registration process resumes.”
The Role of Institutions in Ensuring Equal Access to Services
CASA advocates for institutional accountability and improved communication between authorities and the public, which Grujić says is essential for strengthening citizens’ trust in the system.
“Both NGOs and the media serve as corrective forces, aiming to improve communication, ensure that vital information reaches all citizens, and combat marginalization by promoting equal access to services and rights,” she noted.
She also hopes that the Civil Registration Agency will soon provide clarification on the issue.
When asked about local officials redirecting citizens to Pristina for answers, Grujić acknowledged that municipal employees may genuinely lack the necessary information. However, she emphasized that authorities are responsible for ensuring such information is publicly available.
“There has long been a lack of coordination and information exchange between local and central governments, which remains a persistent problem in administration. Unfortunately, its consequences always fall on citizens,” Grujić explained.
“If one group of citizens can access a service locally while others must travel to Pristina for the same service, and no valid justification is provided, this constitutes a discriminatory practice that undermines the rule of law and violates human rights.”
Consequences of Registration Suspension
Grujić also highlighted the legal and practical consequences of the inability to register births and deaths.
“There is a legal deadline of 30 days for registering these events. Late registration can result in additional administrative procedures and, most importantly, financial penalties,” she warned.
She questioned whether affected citizens would be exempt from fines, given that the delay is beyond their control.
“Failure to register a birth or death restricts access to various rights and services, including social assistance, child benefits, inheritance proceedings, and property transactions. Authorities must not only resolve this issue swiftly but also consider compensating citizens for damages caused by the suspension.”
Grujić concluded that beyond individual hardships, such disruptions harm the legal framework of society, particularly as civil registration is essential for accessing rights and services.
KoSSev Journalist Faces Threats from Municipal Official in North Mitrovica
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