Newsroom
Protection of property rights a priority in Kosovo
PRISTINA 19 January 2001
PRISTINA, 19 January 2001 - The system for the protection of property rights in Kosovo is approaching a crisis. Establishing a functioning structure to adequately deal with property rights will be one of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo priorities this year. This is crucial aspect in the respect for human rights and the rule of law.
Property rights are complex as they affect all communities in Kosovo. They also have a significant impact on current issues such as returns. Ambassador Daan Everts, OSCE Head of Mission, will discuss these issues, amongst others, with OSCE staff in Lipjan/Lipljan and Viti/Vitina on Friday, 19 January 2001.
Property has been a priority for the OSCE since the release of a report in September 2000, The Impending Property Crisis in Kosovo, which highlights concerns. This spring, the OSCE plans to publish a comprehensive progress report on the status of property issues. It will be followed up by full assessments every three months.
The deprivation of a person's right to their property is one of the most fundamental human rights violations. Many properties in Kosovo have multiple claimants to ownership, and proving ownership has been exceptionally difficult. The level of destruction, both of physical property and of records, the years of discriminatory legislation, and the mass movements of persons since 1989, led to a near total collapse in the structures that previously existed for the protection of property rights.
The OSCE has taken a number of measures, at a variety of levels, in attempt to deal with the protection of property rights in Kosovo. Human Rights Officers in the field are monitoring and highlighting serious issues of property such as illegal occupancy and evictions. This includes monitoring the work of the Housing and Property Directorate, the institution created by UNMIK to resolve residential property disputes.
The OSCE continues to press for greater clarity on the applicable law for determining property rights, as inconsistent approaches to property is one of the major problems in tackling the issue. The legal and judicial communities are being informed about property issues through training by the Kosovo Judicial Institute and conferences hosted by the Kosovo Law Centre. The OSCE has also lent its expertise on property issues to the Joint Committee on Return. While the denial of property rights affects all communities in Kosovo, it impacts particularly harsh on minorities.
As part of its mandate, the OSCE takes a lead role in monitoring the protection and promotion of human rights in Kosovo.
For further information, contact OSCE Spokesperson Claire Trevena Tel: (+381-38) 500-162 ext. 260 / mobile: +377 (044) 500-150 / email: [email protected] //www.osce.org/kosovo/
Property rights are complex as they affect all communities in Kosovo. They also have a significant impact on current issues such as returns. Ambassador Daan Everts, OSCE Head of Mission, will discuss these issues, amongst others, with OSCE staff in Lipjan/Lipljan and Viti/Vitina on Friday, 19 January 2001.
Property has been a priority for the OSCE since the release of a report in September 2000, The Impending Property Crisis in Kosovo, which highlights concerns. This spring, the OSCE plans to publish a comprehensive progress report on the status of property issues. It will be followed up by full assessments every three months.
The deprivation of a person's right to their property is one of the most fundamental human rights violations. Many properties in Kosovo have multiple claimants to ownership, and proving ownership has been exceptionally difficult. The level of destruction, both of physical property and of records, the years of discriminatory legislation, and the mass movements of persons since 1989, led to a near total collapse in the structures that previously existed for the protection of property rights.
The OSCE has taken a number of measures, at a variety of levels, in attempt to deal with the protection of property rights in Kosovo. Human Rights Officers in the field are monitoring and highlighting serious issues of property such as illegal occupancy and evictions. This includes monitoring the work of the Housing and Property Directorate, the institution created by UNMIK to resolve residential property disputes.
The OSCE continues to press for greater clarity on the applicable law for determining property rights, as inconsistent approaches to property is one of the major problems in tackling the issue. The legal and judicial communities are being informed about property issues through training by the Kosovo Judicial Institute and conferences hosted by the Kosovo Law Centre. The OSCE has also lent its expertise on property issues to the Joint Committee on Return. While the denial of property rights affects all communities in Kosovo, it impacts particularly harsh on minorities.
As part of its mandate, the OSCE takes a lead role in monitoring the protection and promotion of human rights in Kosovo.
For further information, contact OSCE Spokesperson Claire Trevena Tel: (+381-38) 500-162 ext. 260 / mobile: +377 (044) 500-150 / email: [email protected] //www.osce.org/kosovo/