Dear fellow Macedonians in the Republic of Albania,

The Macedonian Association Ilinden - Tirana addresses you with this open and sincere call, at a moment of particular importance for the affirmation of our identity, dignity and rights as an indigenous Macedonian community in Albania.

Based on Law No. 96/2017 “On the Protection of National Minorities in the Republic of Albania” and the Decision of the Council of Ministers “On Establishing the Criteria, Documentation and Procedures for Collecting Data for the Identification of Persons Belonging to National Minorities”, every citizen has the inalienable right to freely self-identify, without pressure and without fear, as a member of an officially recognized national minority.

This process represents a significant step towards:

• preservation and strengthening of the Macedonian national, linguistic and cultural identity;
• promoting the institutional representation of the Macedonian community;
• creating fairer state policies, adapted to the real needs of national minorities;
• guaranteeing support and sustainable development of our community.

The Macedonian Association Ilinden -Tirana calls on all Macedonians in the Republic of Albania to self-declare without hesitation, by filling out the appropriate self-identification forms and submitting them by mail to the Commission established under the Ministry of Interior, in accordance with the established procedures.

We would like to clearly emphasize that:

• the process is based on the principle of free self-identification;
• personal data is protected in full accordance with the legislation on the protection of privacy;
• there is no risk or negative consequence for citizens who declare their national affiliation.
• Self-declaration is not only a legal right, but also an act of civic and national responsibility, which strengthens our collective voice and secures the future of future generations.

Together, with courage, awareness and trust, let us contribute to building a fairer, more inclusive and more democratic society, in which the Macedonian identity in the Republic of Albania is respected, recognized and supported.