The Presevo Valley Discrimination Assessment Act has advanced in the United States Congress, marking an important step towards protecting the rights of ethnic Albanians in southern Serbia.
The proposed law requires the US Secretary of State to prepare a comprehensive report on the treatment of ethnic minorities in Serbia, with a particular focus on the Albanians of the Presevo Valley.
The document will examine issues such as restrictions on the use of the Albanian language in public institutions, the lack of proportional representation in state bodies, discrimination in education and the economy, the passivization of Albanian addresses that impedes access to identity documents and the right to vote, as well as intimidation through law enforcement practices.
Albanians For America (AFA) emphasizes that it has worked closely with Congressman Keith Self to advance this legislation, while the support of the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Brian Mast, and ranking member Gregory Meeks, has been considered key to the success of this step.
The legal process continues: after passing committee, the bill will be voted on by the House of Representatives and then by the Senate.
If passed, the law requires the State Department to report on the situation of Albanians in the Presevo Valley within 180 days, placing this issue at the top of American foreign policy.
This law is considered an important step to raise international awareness of the challenges faced by Albanians in the Presevo Valley and to demand accountability for their treatment in Serbia./Telegrafi.
