DEMOGRAPHIC DEVELOPMENT AND POSITION OF MINORITIES IN SERBIA AS A FACTOR OF STABILITY AND INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION

Raduški Nada (Naučni saradnik u Institutu društvenih nauka – Centar za demografska istraživanja, Beograd), raduski@eunet.rs

The paper analyses the ethno-demographic development of members of national minorities in Serbia with special reference to the last period between the two censuses (1991-2002), bearing in mind the turbulent political and economic changes that occurred at that time. It is pointed to the negative trends in population growth, basic demographic structures as well as to the great significance of the ethnocentric migrations that have changed the ethnic picture of Serbia and undoubtedly marked the 1990s. The specific disposition and ethnic homogenisation of national minorities give special weight and significance to the minority issue. Taking into account the fact that Serbia is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural state regulation of the position and protection of minority rights as well as good inter-ethnic relations are indispensable for achieving stability and democratic development of Serbia and the Balkan region.

Keywords: national minorities, ethno-demographic development, position, rights, international co-operation, Serbia