Insecurity and lack of freedom of movement still hindering return in Kosovo
Return of a shopkeeper in Peja/Pec, Kosovo, summer 1999. (Lubomir Kotek/OSCE) Photo details
PRISTINA, 22 May 2002 - Further fundamental changes need to be made in order to improve conditions for Kosovo's minorities and to create an environment conducive for returns of all ethnic groups, according to the latest OSCE/UNHCR assessment on the situation of minorities published today. The ninth in this series of joint reports finds that the main concerns for minorities continue to be security and lack of freedom of movement.
The number of serious violent incidents has gradually decreased, but intimidation and harassment continue to persist in many minority areas. Despite gradual improvements in security, occasional recurrence of extremely violent attacks reinforce the pervasiveness of fear amongst minorities. However, work of law enforcement and judicial authorities is slowly but surely starting to have a positive impact on respect for the rule of law in Kosovo.
Kosovo took an important and positive step forward following the November 17 election that resulted in the establishment of the structures of Provisional Institutions of Self-Government. However, the report cautions that discrimination can undermine further democratic developments if the problems facing minorities and their communities are not addressed. "Discrimination in Kosovo is pervasive and requires clear laws and effective remedies," said Ambassador Pascal Fieschi, OSCE's Head of Mission in Kosovo. "Kosovo's elected authorities have a responsibility to work to right these wrongs and find solutions to improve the situation for everyone."
Lack of full freedom of movement continues to constitute the largest barrier to integration of minorities and participation in Kosovo society, especially as it affects minority access to employment, education, health care and other essential services. "We have seen an upward trend in mobility exercised by some minorities. However, positive changes tend to be limited to certain geographic areas, or for specific minority groups," said Walter Irvine, UNHCR's Chief of Mission in Kosovo. "What we are still waiting to see is a fundamental change in the environment which will allow all minorities to travel throughout Kosovo, free of fear, including into urban areas." The report highlights that the social environment, which largely precludes the ability of minorities to speak their languages in public in most majority areas, remains a fundamental part of the problem.
Progress made in 2001 on return of minorities to Kosovo is reviewed in the report, emphasizing the importance of moving beyond military assets to ensure security, towards a more sustainable community-based approach. "It will be difficult to make further significant progress on returns without a firm commitment of all Kosovar communities and their leaders to a more meaningful process of dialogue and confidence-building" said Mr. Irvine.
Important examples of inter-ethnic dialogue have been seen, primarily at the local level. Positive efforts must be duplicated. "Opportunities exist for inter-ethnic dialogue and strengthening ties. It is not only Kosovo's people who should take action but also the provisional institutions and civil society, due to their unique potential to transform the environment and reduce social barriers," said Ambassador Fieschi.
The report provides a series of recommendations for further improvements in areas of security, freedom of movement, non-discrimination, property, participation, dialogue, and return. The prescribed approach requires the continued active engagement of UNMIK and other international actors, but as importantly, the firm commitment and strong leadership of the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government at all levels.
The number of serious violent incidents has gradually decreased, but intimidation and harassment continue to persist in many minority areas. Despite gradual improvements in security, occasional recurrence of extremely violent attacks reinforce the pervasiveness of fear amongst minorities. However, work of law enforcement and judicial authorities is slowly but surely starting to have a positive impact on respect for the rule of law in Kosovo.
Kosovo took an important and positive step forward following the November 17 election that resulted in the establishment of the structures of Provisional Institutions of Self-Government. However, the report cautions that discrimination can undermine further democratic developments if the problems facing minorities and their communities are not addressed. "Discrimination in Kosovo is pervasive and requires clear laws and effective remedies," said Ambassador Pascal Fieschi, OSCE's Head of Mission in Kosovo. "Kosovo's elected authorities have a responsibility to work to right these wrongs and find solutions to improve the situation for everyone."
Lack of full freedom of movement continues to constitute the largest barrier to integration of minorities and participation in Kosovo society, especially as it affects minority access to employment, education, health care and other essential services. "We have seen an upward trend in mobility exercised by some minorities. However, positive changes tend to be limited to certain geographic areas, or for specific minority groups," said Walter Irvine, UNHCR's Chief of Mission in Kosovo. "What we are still waiting to see is a fundamental change in the environment which will allow all minorities to travel throughout Kosovo, free of fear, including into urban areas." The report highlights that the social environment, which largely precludes the ability of minorities to speak their languages in public in most majority areas, remains a fundamental part of the problem.
Progress made in 2001 on return of minorities to Kosovo is reviewed in the report, emphasizing the importance of moving beyond military assets to ensure security, towards a more sustainable community-based approach. "It will be difficult to make further significant progress on returns without a firm commitment of all Kosovar communities and their leaders to a more meaningful process of dialogue and confidence-building" said Mr. Irvine.
Important examples of inter-ethnic dialogue have been seen, primarily at the local level. Positive efforts must be duplicated. "Opportunities exist for inter-ethnic dialogue and strengthening ties. It is not only Kosovo's people who should take action but also the provisional institutions and civil society, due to their unique potential to transform the environment and reduce social barriers," said Ambassador Fieschi.
The report provides a series of recommendations for further improvements in areas of security, freedom of movement, non-discrimination, property, participation, dialogue, and return. The prescribed approach requires the continued active engagement of UNMIK and other international actors, but as importantly, the firm commitment and strong leadership of the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government at all levels.