OSCE urges Kosovo institutions to create necessary conditions for reintegration of repatriated persons

PRISHTINE/PRISTINA, 11 November 2009 - Kosovo institutions fall short of fulfilling their obligations under the Strategy for the Reintegration of Repatriated Persons, concludes an OSCE report published today. 

The report assesses efforts made by the institutions to implement the Strategy, and to create conditions for the reception and sustainable reintegration of repatriated persons into Kosovo's society.

Since its adoption in October 2007, few concrete steps have been taken to implement the Strategy in Kosovo's municipalities, and not enough funds have been allocated to extend specific reintegration assistance to repatriated persons, as foreseen by the action plan.

The lack of assistance faced by repatriated persons in the areas of housing, schooling, healthcare, and employment opportunities represent a serious reintegration problem for individuals and families, in particular for the non-Albanian communities.

"We urge central and local authorities to reach out to these vulnerable groups by allocating necessary funding, increasing co-ordination and information-sharing, as recommended by the report," said Ambassador Werner Almhofer, the Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo.

The report is based on regular monitoring activities of the OSCE in the field of human rights, participation of communities in decision-making processes, and the protection and promotion of their rights.