The Honourable Cvijetin Mijatovic
SFR YugslovivaThe Presidency,
Belgrade, Yugoslavia
Dear Sir,
We have just learned of the further actions taken with respect to our colleagues Mihailo Markovic, Ljubomir Tadic, Zagorka Golubovic, Svetozar Stojanovic, Miladin Zivotic, Dragoljub Micunovic, and Nebojsa Popov. These persons were, from our point of view, improperly suspended from teaching in 1975. As in the past, when we corresponded with President Tito, we call again to your attention the concern of the international Community with this matter. We do so because the rights and liberties of any person anywhere are a concern for all of us. Hence, we urge you to intervene in order that these seven teachers be restored to their classrooms and be granted the full rights of academic freedom and economic security which they ought to have.
We are sure that you are aware that the actions taken in the past and contemplated in this matter are in contravention of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights(articles 2 and 19) and of the Covenant of the International Confederation of Labour No. 111 agreements to which Yugoslavia was a party, provide that there shall be no discrimination because of faith, political or other opinions nor shall there be any distinction, exclusion of in employment because of faith or political opinion. Since we know of your nation’s long record of concern with violations of human rights in other countries, we would hope that this possibility of violation in your country would be avoided.
We are also concerned with the situation of our seven colleagues as fellow humanists and as members of the International Humanist & Ethical Union. And, we are troubled by the thought that an academic freedom, so necessary to the evolution of knowledge and learning, should be preserved. May we earnestly ask your attention to this matter and urge upon you the defence of the rights of these individuals.
Respectfully
Howard B. Radest
Letter from the IHEU co-chairman 23.12.1980
'Renewed repression in Yugoslavia (1980)', Humanists International, Board of Directors, 1980