Federation of ex-Yugoslav ethnic communities marks anniversary
Ljubljana, 1 December - The Federation of Cultural Associations of Ethnic Communities from the Former Yugoslavia living in Slovenia is making its 20th anniversary with a ceremony in Ljubljana on Sunday.
The federation will receive a silver medal from the Fund for Cultural Activities (JSKD) for its work and for fostering cultural ties among its members and beyond.
The federation and its members organise more than 300 cultural projects or events annually.
Today's ceremony will feature a vocal folklore show accompanied by an orchestra, soloists and dancers, termed Together with Music and Dance.
It will also be addressed by State Secretary at the Culture Ministry Marko Rusjan.
In 2011, the National Assembly adopted a declaration on the situation of ethnic communities from the former Yugoslavia living in Slovenia.
Last May, a law was passed on the implementation of cultural rights of these ethnic communities, transferring their funding onto the Culture Ministry.
The government council for matters concerning these communities became a permanent advisory body.
The law also governs the right to preserve their identities and cultural heritage, to use their mother tongues, and have media programmes tailored to their needs.
It covers Albanians, Bosniaks, Montenegrins, Croats, Macedonians and Serbs living in Slovenia.
The majority came here after WWII at the time of the former Yugoslavia, most of them for work or studies.