Seventeen Serbian Non-Governmental Organizations in an open letter to the international community expressed serious concern about the violation of the human rights of Serbian minority in Kosovo, TV Most reports.

The recent decision of Kosovo Government to impose 100% taxes on imported goods from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina has a huge negative impact on the Serb community in Kosovo, the NGOs warned.

“Serbs are deprived of many basic foods, as well as adequate medical services and essential medicines. As the food and medical services crisis continues to deteriorate, women, children, elderly and sick are the most vulnerable.”

“Yesterday’s decision to ban the “Union of Women from Vracar” to enter Kosovo, who intended to distribute humanitarian aid to women and babies was an abuse of power by the Kosovo government in order to discriminate against the Serbian community, and to achieve the political goals. Union of Women from Vracar organized a visit to the north of Kosovo, intending to deliver diapers, creams for mothers and their babies, as well as baby clothes. The Kosovo Customs explained its decision by declaring the Union of Women from Vracar “an internal threat to Kosovo’s security”.

“We emphasize that violations of economic, social and cultural rights have social consequences and are often a key factor in the escalation of violence, social unrest and conflicts. It is important to recognize that the decision of the Kosovo government contributes to the existing tensions and possible escalation of the conflict in Kosovo. It is necessary to revoke the decision on the 100% increase in customs duties and for the both sides to return to the negotiations, in order to prevent the potential escalation of the humanitarian and security crisis.”

“Based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Agreement on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women and the Agenda for Women, Peace and Security, we call on the international community to take appropriate measures to prevent further human rights violations and use of vulnerable groups for political purposes”.

The following NGOs signed the letter” “Women’s Right”, North Mitrovica, YEC “Sinergija”-North Mitrovica, Santa Marija-Zvecan, Business Centre-Zvecan, Centre for Basic Rehabilitation-North Mitrovica, Centre for Society Orientation-North Mitrovica, Advocacy Centre for Democratic Culture-North Mitrovica, Human Centre Mitrovica, Centre for Peace and Tolerance-Gracanica, “Let us find our path-Pronađimo sebi put” Leposavicc, “Svet anđela”-North Mitrovica, “Kolo srpskih sestara”-Zubin Potok, “Association of Women’s Organizations”-Gracanica, “Unija poslodavaca Kosova”-Gracanica, “Youth of  Jazas”  North Mitrovica, “Kosovski razvojni centar”-Zubin Potok and “Meridijan”-Zubin Potok.