Letter regarding the violation of fundamental human, citizen and labour rights of non-Albanian citizens and CATUS members on Kosovo and Metohija

By the unilateral decision of the Central Bank of Kosovo[1] <#_ftn1> of February 1, 2024, euro was established as the only currency for the realization of cash and payment transactions, which bans the use of Serbian dinar (RSD) in payment operations.

Non-Albanian, mainly Serbian, population which receives their salaries, pensions and social fees out of the budget of the Republic of Serbia, has been prevented from using their earnings in a way that secures their basic existence, life and work.

Provision of basic staples, hygienic supplies, as well as the functioning of health centers, educational institutions and other entities that are financed from the budget of the Republic of Serbia, are unsustainable. According to the representatives of Serbs on Kosovo and Metohija and the Government of the Republic of Serbia, their existence is jeopardised and quiet ethnical cleansing is underway. After political and safety crises that escalated in 2022 and 2023, the action of temporary institutions of Kosovo was the subject of diplomatic negotiations with the European Union, United States of America and an extraordinary session of the UN Security Council was held on February 8, 2024.

Through its regionally competent organization – CATU Council for Kosovo and Metohija and local autonomous trade unions with trade union organizations on Kosovo and Metohija, Confederation of Autonomous Trade Unions of Serbia protects and represents our members’ interests and rights to dispose of their earnings.

In 2023 the research of the non-governmental sector marked the decline of all life parameters for Serbs on Kosovo and Metohija. Depending on the region, between 61% and 89% of all Serbs feel their safety is at risk. Only a quarter of young Serbs 18-29 plan to stay on Kosovo and Metohija. The main reason for leaving Kosovo and Metohija is a systematic disrespect and oppression of Serbs.

We appeal to the International Trade union Confederation and European Trade Union Confederation to put pressure on international and European institutions, within their competences, in order to secure peaceful and safe lives of our trade union members and their families on the territory of Kosovo and Metohija.
CATUS PRESIDENT
Ljubisav Orbović

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[1] <#_ftnref1> This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ opinion on Kosovo Declaration of Independence