OSCE and UN OHCHR in Kosovo mark International Human Rights Day

PRISHTINE/PRISTINA, 9 December 2010 - On the occasion of the International Human Rights Day, Ambassador Werner Almhofer, the Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, and Paul Miller, the Head of the Office in Kosovo for the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN OHCHR) said the following:

"Tomorrow, the world will mark the 62nd anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Let me use this opportunity to reiterate the readiness and commitment of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo to continue working with relevant institutions to strengthen compliance with and implementation of human rights standards.

"The OSCE Mission in Kosovo notes improvements in the human rights area. However, challenges still remain with regard to the property rights, return and reintegration of persons displaced from Kosovo, ensuring gender equality, access to education, empowering women and young people. International Human Rights Day should serve as an occasion to better educate ourselves and the public on the steps that need to be taken to effectively combat discrimination," Almhofer said.

Miller added: "Indeed, despite the progress made, many people still suffer directly or indirectly from one or another form of discrimination in Kosovo. Therefore, standing up against discrimination is as relevant today as it has ever been in the past. Bringing legislation and policies in line with international human rights standards is an achievement but it is not enough in itself. Their full implementation is of equal importance.

"There is a need for motivated women and men who can raise their voice to defend their rights and the rights of others. Only by joint effort can we combat discrimination and make society a place where rights of all are fully respected."

Journalists are invited to participate in a series of public events organized by the OSCE Mission in Kosovo and the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Kosovo, together with local stakeholders, to mark the International Human Rights Day on 10 December.

Prishtine/Pristina: 

1. Youth event at the National Theatre (performance by children for children) will be organized in Prishtine/Pristina, on 10 December 2010, starting at 14.00. Musical and dance plays on the theme of human rights and social inclusion will be part of the event.

2. Forty children from all communities residing in the five municipalities in Prishtine/Pristina region will be taken to two-day winter camp in the Hotel Okay, in Prizren to learn more about human rights. The discussion will start at 13.30 on 10 December 2010.

Prizren:

1. Discussion involving OSCE representatives, students and civil society representatives, and a screening of a film on human rights will take place in the premises of "Ataturk" secondary school in Mamusa/Mamushe/Mamusa, on 10 December 2010, from 12.00 to 13.30.

2. One-day workshop on human rights and social inclusion, and a film screening will be organized on 10 December 2010, starting at 11.00, in the OSCE Regional Centre premises in Prizren. Francis Carlier, the Director of the OSCE Regional Centre, 30 students from all communities and civil society representatives will be present.

Mitrovice/Mitrovica:

1. Social interaction of children from Kosovo Roma, Ashkali, Bosnjak and Albanian communities will be organized, on 10 December 2010, from 10.00 to 12.00, in the Cultural Centre in the southern part of Mitrovice/Mitrovica.

2. Discussion on human rights and a football tournament will be organized for young people from the Roma and Ashkali communities on 13 December 2010, starting at 10.00 in the Sport Centre in the southern part of Mitrovice/Mitrovica.

Gjilan/Gnjilane:

1. The OSCE will inaugurate a network of 10 non-governmental organizations, on 10 December 2010, starting at 10.30 in the Viti/Vitina municipal public library. Ulrich Biffar, Director of the OSCE Regional Centre, civil society representatives will be present.