World Directory of Minorities and Indigenous Peoples - Slovenia : Serbs
Publisher | Minority Rights Group International |
Publication Date | 2008 |
Cite as | Minority Rights Group International, World Directory of Minorities and Indigenous Peoples - Slovenia : Serbs, 2008, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/49749cae37.html [accessed 4 November 2019] |
Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Profile
According to the 2002 census, there were 38,964 Serbs in Slovenia. Serbs speak Serbian and are mainly Christian Orthodox.
Similarly to other non ethnic Slovenes from former Yugoslavia, Serbs face discrimination and exclusion from all spheres of life.
Historical context
Most Serbs came to Slovenia during the period of communist rule for work.
Current issues
Serbs are not recognised as a minority by the authorities of Slovenia, and face problems with exercising their rights, including as regards language use, education of mother tongue and culture (although there are some classes offered in Serbian), participation in public affairs. They also face economic and social exclusion, partly because of widespread prejudice and hidden discrimination, and partly because some remain without residence papers, and as such have no access to basic services such as health care and pensions.