OSCE Mission in Kosovo informs communities about human rights protection mechanisms

PRISHTINE/PRISTINA, 27 October 2010 - The OSCE Mission in Kosovo published today a handbook of mechanisms for human rights protection. 

The catalogue entitled "Exercise your rights!" provides information on available remedies to safeguard people's fundamental rights, and is meant to serve as a practical reference tool for members of all communities.

"Our findings indicate that human rights protection mechanisms are not fully utilized. By providing information on instruments available, we seek to inform the public about the existing remedies and potential assistance, as well as to encourage the people to exercise their rights. This publication is a part of the Mission's continued support to ensure public access to effective remedies and the development of the respective institutions," said Susan Heintz, the Director of the OSCE's Mission's Department of Human Rights and Communities.

The handbook is available in five languages - English, Albanian, Serbian, Turkish and Romani. It contains information on 24 institutions, agencies, and organizations to which individuals and communities can turn for assistance in defending their rights. Several thematic areas, such as general community rights, gender, returns, media, security, public sector employment, property, children's rights, the use of languages and education are included in the publication.

The OSCE promotes human rights and good governance in Kosovo, with community rights, civic participation, and equal access to services and freedom from discrimination being at the centre of its activities.

The handbook  is also available on: A Catalogue of Remedies and Assistance for Community Members