STATEMENT ON THE DISCRIMINATORY BLOCKING OF THE ENTRY OF HIS HOLINESS PATRIARCH PORFIRIJE INTO KOSOVO 
 

On 13 May 2024, a group of hierarchs of the Serbian Orthodox Church, led by His Holiness Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia, was unable to enter the Peć Patriarchal Monastery in Kosovo to hold the SOC Bishops' Council there due to the refusal of the Kosovo authorities to allow the delegation to cross the border. This refusal was not motivated in any way.
 
The Human Rights Alliance ‘Church Against Xenophobia and Discrimination’ believes that the refusal of the Kosovo authorities to allow religious leaders of the Serbian Orthodox Church to worship and hold official events is a gross violation of international law and an act of discrimination against Orthodox believers of the SOC. We would also like to draw attention to the fact that the refusal was not legally formalised, and the formal reason for the entry ban is currently unknown.
 
In view of this, we consider it expedient to organise a legal process to protect rights in this situation in accordance with international law, as well as in accordance with the legislation in force in Kosovo. In this regard, the Human Rights Alliance ‘Church Against Xenophobia and Discrimination’ will send relevant proposals and recommendations to the Patriarchate of the Serbian Orthodox Church, as well as written inquiries about the incident to the Kosovo authorities.
 
For its part, the Alliance will ensure that information about the above discrimination and unjustified restrictions on freedom of movement is presented at international meetings related to Kosovo, including as part of the reporting procedures for monitoring compliance with human rights standards.


Press office of the of the International Human Rights Alliance
‘Church against xenophobia and discrimination’
[email protected]

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