OSCE Mission in Kosovo brings institutions together against illegal occupation and use of property

PEJE/PEC, 19 September 2006 - Illegal occupation and use of land and its impact on economic development and the returns and reintegration process was the topic of a seminar organized today by the OSCE Mission in Kosovo for municipal officials in the Peje/Pec region.

To fulfill the property standard as laid out by local institutions and the international community, Kosovo's Provisional Institutions of Self-Government (PISG) must create a functioning property rights system where courts, police, municipalities and central government implement property laws with full respect to international human rights standards.

"Building on and using others' land without the consent of the property rights holder is illegal. Responding efficiently to such concerns must be a priority of the PISG as doing so is fundamental in ensuring property rights, adherence to rule of law and equitable economic development," said Raoul Allalouf, Acting Director of the OSCE Mission's Regional Center in Peje/Pec.

At the seminar, municipal and court officials and civil society representatives from Kline/Klina, Istog/Istok, Peje/Pec, Decan/Decani municipalities and the Pilot Municipal Unit Junik/Junik, the Kosovo Police Service and the Kosovo Property Agency discussed co-ordinated action to tackle illegal occupation and use of land.

The meeting underscored the existence in Kosovo of institutions - such as the Kosovo Property Agency - with a mandate to resolve property disputes. It also highlighted that all actors must help to strengthen and respect the legal and institutional framework in order to provide a coordinated and law-abiding solution to the problem of illegal occupation.

"Bringing together institutional representatives who deal concretely with illegal occupation and land use has helped forge a better understanding of how to approach the issue while laying the groundwork for increased coordination and co-operation," said Linda Ohman, OSCE Senior Human Rights Officer in Peje/Pec.

As part of its institution-building mandate, the OSCE Mission is helping to build democratic institutions and protect human rights. A functioning property rights system is crucial to this goal.