15 minutes agoAARC supports students in northern Macedonia: Albanian language denial, shame and insult to democracy
Periskopi(3 months ago)
(3 months ago)The Albanian-American Relations Council (AARC) expresses its full and steadfast support for law students in northern Macedonia, who are peacefully protesting their fundamental right to submit to the Law Test in their native Albanian language. “is deeply disturbing and sincerely unacceptable since [...]
The students are forced to take to the streets in 2026 to search for what is not a privilege but a clearly guaranteed right according to the constitutional and legal framework of the state.
The right to use Albanian in official procedures is based on the Constitution of Northern Macedonia, amended after the Ohrid Agreement, as well as the Law on Use of Languages. These legal instruments exhibit the equality of languages spoken by at least 20% of the population, including Albanian, in institutions and public processes. Denying the possibility of giving the Albanian-language Jurisprudence test not only conflicts with these provisions but is a direct insult to them.
This issue was resolved a generation ago through the Ohrid Agreement, a cornerstone of stability that has enabled Northern Macedonia to evolve to a more comprehensive, democratic and internationally respected state. The country's progress towards its internal cohesion, its Euro-Atlantic trajectory and its approach to European standards has been built on the principle of equality among its citizens. Mining these principles is now as short - lived, as dangerous as”, the AARC points out.
This well-known lobbi organisation has also conveyed a disturbing message to the Albanian political address at the RMV.
“also, we should express our deep disappointment with the remaining Albanian political representatives, passive or inefficient on this issue. Their task is not symbolic. It is actively protecting the rights of voters they represent. On a matter so clear, so fundamental and so firmly based on law, there is no reason for silence or inaction. This failure is not just political; it is an abandoned responsibility. At the same time, we warn all sides against politicising this issue. Basic rights are not currency, nor should they be subjected to party maneuvers. It's a matter of law, equality and basic human dignity nothing more and nothing less. For students: Your cause is right. Your voice is being heard. And you're not alone. AARC stays with you”, AARC points out.(INA)
