Improvements made in human rights protection, women and youth participation, but challenges remain, says Head of OSCE Mission in Kosovo

PRISHTINË/PRIŠTINA, 10 December 2012 – The Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Ambassador Jean-Claude Schlumberger, said today that despite significant  improvements in the Kosovo regulatory framework and increased outreach by the government, challenges remain in human and community rights protection, as well as in women and youth participation in decision-making processes.

He made these comments on the occasion of today’s International Human Rights Day. This year it is dedicated to making the voices of women, youth, communities, persons with disabilities, as well as the poor and marginalized, heard in public life and political decision-making.

“We have seen significant improvements in the regulatory framework in Kosovo, including progressive legislation and policies on returns and repatriation, community rights, use of languages, anti-discrimination, gender equality and young people, as well as on protection against domestic violence,” said Schlumberger.

He specially praised the progress made this year by the Assembly of Kosovo in facilitating public participation through holding public hearings.

“Despite these improvements, challenges remain in the protection of human and community rights and the participation of women and youth in decision-making,” Schlumberger said, adding  that women, youth and communities continue to be under-represented at both central and local levels which reduces their ability to access services and have their voices heard. 

He also said that persistent absence of a sustainable solution for tens of thousands of displaced persons is a cause for concern, that in some areas tensions between receiving communities and displaced persons continue to obstruct the returns process in Kosovo, and an increase in security incidents affecting returnees and their property has been observed.

Speaking about other issues still to be addressed, Schlumberger said that vulnerable groups such as Kosovo Roma, Kosovo Ashkali and Kosovo Egyptians, as well as persons with disabilities, still face unequal treatment when dealing with public institutions and the private sector, and that domestic violence continues to take its toll.

“I call on both central and local level institutions to do their utmost to effectively implement human rights-related legislation and contribute to further development of a multi-ethnic society in Kosovo where the rights of all groups and individuals are respected and protected. I look forward to continuing our co-operation with institutions and communities in Kosovo in addressing human rights issues and facilitating public participation to the benefit of all,” he added.

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo is mandated with human rights protection and promotion, democratization and security and public safety sector development.