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WASHINGTON – The U.S. Office of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor has released the National Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2016.
These reports aim to provide policymakers with an accurate account of the human rights situation in nearly 200 countries and territories around the world, including all United Nations member states and any country receiving foreign aid. the United States. The reports cover internationally recognized individual civil, political and workers’ rights.
ALBANIA
In Albania, the most significant human rights problems were related to corruption in all branches of government, particularly in the justice and health systems, but also in the area of media freedom.
Widespread corruption, numerous forms of pressure and intimidation, combined with limited resources, sometimes prevented the justice system from functioning independently and effectively. Additionally, people in high-ranking positions, such as politicians, judges, and those with powerful business interests, have often been able to avoid prosecution.
Regarding media freedom, the report assesses many issues such as violence and intimidation against members of the media. Government, corporations and criminal groups have sought to influence the media inappropriately. Additionally, journalists often practice self-censorship to avoid violence and harassment and in response to pressure from publishers and editors.
BOSNIA HERZEGOVINA
Similar problems to those in Albania were encountered in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2016. The most significant problem was the continued political and economic stagnation of the state due to government corruption. As the report concludes, the problem of corruption lies in the multitude of state, entity, cantonal and municipal administrations, where each has the power to establish laws and regulations affecting businesses, creating a system lacking transparency and providing opportunities for corruption.
Some political leaders have manipulated ethnic divisions, weakening democracy and governance, as well as the rule of law. Discrimination was encouraged in most aspects of daily life, with emphasis placed on the underrepresentation of minorities in political life.
In the area of media freedom, harassment and intimidation of journalists and civil society have limited public access to accurate information and accountability of political leaders. The report notes the continued tendency of politicians and other leaders to characterize unwanted criticism as hate speech or national treason. Furthermore, public broadcasters remained under severe pressure from government and political forces due to a lack of long-term financial stability and a reliance on politically controlled funding sources.
CROATIA
In 2016, Croatia faced the problem of discrimination. Social discrimination and cases of violence against members of ethnic minorities, including Serbs and Roma, women and children, were the main challenges. The rise of nationalism and political radicalization has been detected. This has had serious consequences on the enjoyment of minority rights, particularly in areas heavily affected by the conflict.
Unlike Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina, media freedom was in a relatively good state. Independent media were active and freely expressed a wide variety of opinions.
On the positive side, it was noted that the government has taken significant steps to prosecute and punish individuals who commit human rights violations.
KOSOVO
As for Kosovo, one of the most serious human rights problems has been the sometimes violent obstruction of Parliament by opposition MPs, who have clearly stated that their intention was to block free debate and the adoption of laws.
Corruption in government and the private sector, coupled with the lack of sanctions for corrupt acts, remains a significant human rights problem. Although the law provides criminal penalties for official corruption, the government did not enforce the law effectively. Additionally, the lack of effective judicial oversight and the general weakness of the rule of law have largely contributed to the problem.
The report suggests that media freedoms were violated. Although the government generally respected media freedom, credible reports persisted that some public officials, politicians, businesses, and radical religious groups sought to intimidate media representatives. The media also faced difficulties obtaining information from the government and public institutions, as required by law.
Inter-ethnic tensions and security concerns, real or perceived, restricted freedom of movement.
Additionally, restrictions on religious freedom included repeated vandalism of religious property and restrictions on the freedom of worship of Serbian Orthodox pilgrims. Additionally, security concerns have limited the number of displaced Kosovo Serbs seeking to return home.
MACEDONIA
Macedonia’s main problems in 2016 remain the political crisis triggered by the 2015 wiretapping scandal. Widespread corruption and the government’s failure to respect the rule of law have further deteriorated the state of democracy.
It was noted that the government continued to pressure and restrict media freedom. Specifically, Reporters Without Borders noted a decline in media freedom over the year and, with the government traditionally one of the country’s largest buyers of advertising, many media outlets remained financially dependent on its spending and therefore subjected to pressure to avoid criticizing him.
The judiciary has failed to demonstrate independence and impartiality. The outcomes of many legal actions seemed predetermined, particularly in cases where defendants held views or actions opposed to the government. With judges subject to political influence and corruption, political interference, inefficiency, and favoritism toward those in high positions, corruption in the justice system appears pervasive.
MONTENEGRO
The main problem regarding the human rights situation in the Western Balkans also arises in Montenegro. Corruption is among the country’s most significant human rights problems. It was present in health care, education and other branches of government, including law enforcement and the courts. The process of appointing judges and prosecutors remains somewhat politicized.
Media freedoms were threatened as independent and pro-opposition media reportedly came under political and economic pressure. They also reported allegations of threats and attacks on the property of media representatives. As noted in the report, many attacks in previous years remained unresolved or not subject to court decisions.
Discrimination and violence against members of ethnic minorities, particularly Roma, Ashkali, Balkan Egyptians, Albanians, Bosniaks, as well as women, were present. Widespread discriminatory cultural norms prevent women from participating equally in all areas of social development.
SERBIA
The most serious human rights problems during the year were discrimination and societal violence against members of minority groups, particularly Roma. Many observers have noted the existence of a climate of hostility towards members of national and ethnic minorities. There were also reports of discrimination in employment and occupation.
As for media pressure, the harassment of journalists and the pressure exerted on them constitute a significant problem. During the year, some journalists and media outlets were victims of vandalism, intimidation and physical attacks. What is worrying is the economic pressure which sometimes leads the media to practice self-censorship. State-controlled funds were thought to contribute a significant percentage of overall advertising revenue, giving the state strong influence over the media.
An ineffective justice system that resulted in lengthy and delayed trials and long periods of pretrial detention has harmed citizens’ access to justice. The report adds that courts remain vulnerable to corruption and political influence. Although the government claims to be fighting corruption, it still lacks transparency.
E.M.
This article was produced with the support of THE Balkan Confidence for Democracy. The content of this article and the opinions expressed therein are the sole responsibility of the portal European Western Balkans and does not in any way reflect the views and opinions of the Balkan Confidence for Democracy nor the German Marshall Fund of the United States.
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