Albanians in Serbia face discrimination via address passivation

Ethnic Albanians in the Serbian municipalities of Preševo, Bujanovac, and Medveđa are facing systematic discrimination through a process known as address passivation. This administrative practice involves the suspension or erasure of residential addresses, which critics argue is being applied selectively to target the ethnic Albanian population.

Reports indicate that over 6,500 Albanians have been affected by address passivation, while at least 3,370 have been removed from voter lists. Beyond residential status, the community faces obstacles in accessing public institutions, proportional representation, education, and the recognition of diplomas. These pressures are viewed as a threat to the long-term demographic stability of the region.

The issue has gained international attention. Albania has raised the matter with the OSCE, and Kosovo has engaged with the European Union regarding these practices. Additionally, U.S. Congressman Keith Self has called for a specific State Department report on the treatment of minorities in Serbia.