The Serb People’s Movement has sent an open letter to the international community, expressing concern over new measures introduced by Kosovo authorities that affect residents without Kosovo-issued documents and vehicles driven under power of attorney. The movement warned that if “a just solution is not found and dialogue is not opened,” they would be “compelled to organize peaceful protests in accordance with the law.”
Under the new regulations, all residents without Kosovo documents will soon be required to report to local police stations within three days of entering Kosovo. This means that a large number of Kosovo Serbs will need to register with the police and obtain confirmation from the Kosovo Ministry of Internal Affairs — effectively a “temporary residence” permit — to live, study or work on the territory.
At the same time, starting from 1 November, stricter enforcement of the Law on Vehicles will begin. Many Serbs in Kosovo drive cars registered in central Serbia or use them under power of attorney; the new rules will apply to them as well.
In its statement, the Serb People’s Movement stressed that the measures are not merely “a technical issue or a mere bureaucratic procedure” but “but deeply interfere with the position of the Serb community in Kosovo.”
The movement has called on the Kosovo government to postpone the implementation of the measures and urged the international community to “use its influence” to help launch dialogue with local Serbs until a sustainable solution is reached. Otherwise, they warned, they would be compelled to protest peacefully, within the law.
Below we publish the open letter in its entirety:
Your Excellencies, distinguished heads of missions and embassies,
We are writing to you on behalf of the Serb People’s Movement regarding the announced measures of the Kosovo Government regarding the driving of motor vehicles and the registration of residence. These measures are not just a technical issue and a mere bureaucratic procedure, but deeply interfere with the position of the Serb community in Kosovo and affect fundamental rights – freedom of movement, family life and the right to a home.
The very announcement of these measures has caused anxiety among Serbs in Kosovo. Many fear that they will be prevented from living and moving freely, which would force them to leave their homes. Due to complex and unnecessary administrative obstacles, many Serbs in Kosovo are unable to obtain Kosovo documents, which further restricts their movement and daily activities. Instead of facilitating their access to the documents they are entitled to, the Kosovo Government is enacting regulations without consulting the Serbs, further hindering the exercise of basic human and civil rights.
Given the expected consequences, the Serb People’s Movement demands that the Kosovo Government urgently postpone the implementation of the disputed measures until a just and sustainable solution is found that takes into account the interests of all citizens. At the same time, we call on diplomatic missions and international organizations in Kosovo to use their influence to:
1. initiate dialogue with the local Serb population on resolving issues related to public documents, as they are the most directly affected by such measures;
2. guarantee full rights to freedom of movement, access to documents, home, and family life;
3. ensure recognition of valid Serbian documents and enable access to Kosovo-issued documents for all members of the Serb community.
The Serb People’s Movement is ready to participate in a constructive dialogue and offer concrete solutions in order to preserve stability and a normal life for all members of the Serb people and other non-Albanian communities in Kosovo.
If a just solution is not found and a dialogue is not opened, we will be compelled to organize peaceful protests in accordance with the law. Our fight is not for positions, but for the rights of members of the Serb people and other non-Albanian communities in Kosovo.
Respectfully yours,
Serb People’s Movement
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