Assessing Minority Language Rights in Kosovo
Assessing Minority Language Rights in Kosovo

Author(s): Andrea Najvirtova, Lars Burema
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Language and Literature Studies, Law, Constitution, Jurisprudence
Published by: Scientia Kiadó
Summary/Abstract: Minority language rights are central to minority–majority relations in Kosovo. However, it is an extremely sensitive and complicated issue, considering the recent conflict in 1999 and the continuing tensions between ethnic communities. The paper will provide an overview of Kosovo’s current institutional and legislative framework for the protection and promotion of minority language rights, including an analysis of the historical developments that led to its creation. Subsequently, the paper will examine the situation on the ground and look at how and to what extent this framework is put into practice, focusing on three key areas: the use of language in education, in public and private, and in relation with governmental institutions. Following this analysis, the paper will consider what factors are obstructing or enhancing the enjoyment of minority language rights in Kosovo. In the analysis, the paper will pay particular attention to the discrepancy between the ambitious legislation and the capacities and willingness of Kosovo institutions to ensure its implementation. It will stress that the geographic concentration of minority communities in Kosovo plays an important part in enabling minority communities to function effectively in their native language in the areas where they live. However, outside of these areas, the implementation of language rights put forth by Kosovo’s legal framework is much more limited. Finally, the paper will conclude with recommendations on measures to ensure the effective enjoyment of language rights in Kosovo.

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