NGOs from Kosovo and Serbia get together: Condemn Russian aggression in Ukraine, concern for Balkans

According to the statement by these organisations, the invasion of Ukraine from Russia has shaken international order while the Western Balkans are particularly vulnerable to global developments that jeopardise international law, democracy and human rights, the news writes.

In addition, representatives of Kosovo and Serbia's civil society organisations say they condemn Russia's aggression against Ukraine and call on our governments to line up with the European Union's positions.
“The consequences of such violations of international law can be extremely destabilising for our region. Russia's Agrain to Ukraine represents a defining moment in history; the moment that requires an immediate response from our governments and the international community to support rule of law, international order, solidarity and human rights in the Western Balkans”, the statement said.

Full Declaration:

Russia's anti-Ukrainian aggression sparks deep concerns for Western Balkans

Common declaration of civil society organisations from Kosovo, Serbia for possible consequences of Ukraine's Russian invasion of the Western Balkans

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has shaken international order. The Western Balkans is particularly vulnerable to global developments that endanger international law, democracy and human rights.

We, representatives of civil society organisations from Kosovo and Serbia, condemn Russia's aggression against Ukraine and call on our governments to line up with the European Union's stances.

Moreover, we call on the EU and member states to change the enlargement paradigm to ensure a viable and pro-active approach to the European perspective of the Western Balkans. We also call on the international community in general to support our region to ensure lasting peace and security.

The consequences of such violations of international law can be extremely destabilizing for our region. Russia's Agrain to Ukraine represents a defining moment in history; the moment that requires an immediate response from our governments and the international community to support rule of law, international order, solidarity and human rights in the Western Balkans.

The current situation reiterates the importance of dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia towards ensuring lasting peace, prosperity and the welfare of all citizens. The circumstances created by this situation provide an opportunity to reflect and re-dispose the dialogue process towards a comprehensive process that would result in a legally binding and long-term agreement. In this respect, we see the need for urgent action by the European Union (BE) to promote and support substantial reforms especially when it comes to rule of law in order to accelerate the integration of the Western Balkans into the EU.

Civil society in Kosovo and Serbia has actively engaged in peace-building processes over the years, representing community voices and the daily concerns of citizens who remain under the shadow of political developments. At this time of crisis, we call on the international community to support us in condemning divisive rhetoric, authoritarian policies and populist and nationalist divisions that serve to silence critical voices and arouse fear and distrust among communities.

Aiming at reducing the spread of disinformations that could lead to possible escalation of conflict, we also call on media representatives to fully engage in fair and impartial reporting.

Signatories:

Enabled

Advocacy Center for Democracy Culture (ACDC), Mitrovica

Balkans Police Research Group (BPRG)

Belgrade Centre for Security Policy (BCBP)

Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies of the Balkans ( ChisBalk)

Center for Peace and Tolerance (CPT), Gracanica

Centre for Regionalism

Civic Initiatives

Democracy Plus (D+)

BPE Foundation for a Responsible Society (BFPE)

Igor Novakovic, analyst, Belgrade

Institute for Territory Economic Development ( INTER)

Institute for European Affairs (IEA)

Institute for Serbia and Albanian Coexistence

Jelena Lončar, academic, University of Belgrade

Kosovo Center for Security Study (KCSS)

Kosovo Law Institute (KLI)

Ladies Committee for Human Rights (YUCOM)

Milan Antoniyevic, lawyer

On Social Initiative (NSI), Mitrovica

Peer Educators Netaork (PEN), Pristina

Rahim Salihi, civil software venturer, Bujanoc

Radio KiM Media Group

The Balkan Forum

Valon Arifi, civil society activist

Vjollca Krasniqi, academic, University of Pristina

Voice of Rome, Ashkali and Egypt ( Vo RAE)

Your Initiative for Human Rights Serbia

With Initiative for Human Rights Kosovo.