The United Nations Human Rights Committee found that Bulgaria violated the freedom of association by refusing to register an organization for the protection of the rights of ethnic Macedonians. The decision represents a serious blow to Sofia on the international stage.

The case concerns a historian of ethnic Macedonian origin who sought to register a non-profit organization called the "Committee for the Protection of Human Rights - Tolerance" under the Bulgarian Non-Profit Legal Entities Act. Despite submitting all required documents, Bulgarian courts rejected the registration without a clear explanation.

The UN Committee assessed the court decisions as "excessively formalistic" and found that the courts failed to take into account the additional information the applicant provided about the human rights activities of the organization.

Committee member Yvonne Donders stated: "The full realization of freedom of association in a favorable environment is a cornerstone of democratic society. Organizations that peacefully promote tolerance among different ethnic groups must be protected, even when authorities or majorities disagree".

Bulgaria is now obligated within 180 days to review the court decisions, provide appropriate compensation including legal costs, and submit a compliance report to the Committee. The case reveals a long-standing practice of refusing to register organizations linked to Macedonian ethnic identity in Bulgaria.