Oct 11, 2024 – The Advisory Committee on the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities (FCNM) has criticised Bulgaria for failing to protect the rights of its Macedonian minority, urging authorities to improve compliance with international standards.
The Council of Europe report, released yesterday, highlights that while Bulgaria has made strides in advocating for Bulgarian minorities abroad, similar efforts within the country remain lacking.
The committee expressed concern over the limited awareness of minority rights among the public and called out Bulgarian authorities for not taking sufficient steps to implement long-standing recommendations, such as guaranteeing the right to free self-identification and achieving full equality for all citizens.
“Efforts to promote minority rights must be expanded domestically, particularly for those who self-identify as Macedonian,” the report emphasised.
The Macedonian community has repeatedly sought protection under the Framework Convention, but Bulgaria’s refusal to acknowledge objective criteria for their recognition has left them unable to fully access minority rights. The report also flagged issues faced by the Pomak community, who continue to be officially identified as “Bulgarian Muslims” despite their wish for different recognition.
According to the 2021 census, Turks (8.4%) and Roma (4.4%) make up Bulgaria’s largest minorities. However, those identifying as Macedonian face persistent barriers, particularly when attempting to organise public events or register associations, encountering resistance from local authorities.
The Council of Europe has urged Bulgaria to align its domestic policies with the convention and better protect the rights of all minority groups.
This version reflects the requested changes, highlighting the Macedonian issue prominently in both the title and the content.
