OSCE Mission in Kosovo marks Disability Mentoring Day

PRISHTINE/PRISTINA, 20 October 2010 - On the occasion of the Disability Mentoring Day, the Head of the OSCE Mission Ambassador Werner Almhofer welcomed today ten new staff members, persons with special needs, who will be working with the Mission temporarily.

"Through this initiative, we want to draw employers' attention to the importance of equal opportunities and right to employment for all, but also to give a chance to these people to further develop their capacities," said Ambassador Almhofer, the Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo. "We encourage employers throughout Kosovo to look beyond disabilities, and to see the strong and positive contribution these people are capable of bringing to the businesses and organizations."

"The basic needs of persons with disabilities are not different and they must have equal opportunities to fulfil them. Only when this is achieved, these members of society will be able to live self-sufficiently and with dignity," Almhofer added.

Disability Mentoring Day was first introduced in the United States of America in 1999. The idea has become increasingly popular worldwide. Disability Mentoring Day is observed each year on the third Wednesday in October and focuses on employment opportunities and promotes skills and capabilities of persons with disabilities.

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo is mandated with human rights protection and promotion with special focus on the rights of vulnerable groups and individuals.