10.12.2023. » 17:18 | ACDC
Debate on the Protection of Human Rights in Kosovo
Ahead of Human Rights Day, NGOs ACDC and AKTIV organized a debate on the protection of human rights in Kosovo to highlight the challenges, issues, and violations faced by non-majority communities.
Ahead of Human Rights Day, NGOs ACDC and AKTIV organized a debate on the protection of human rights in Kosovo to highlight the challenges, issues, and violations faced by non-majority communities. The panelists were Mr. Srđan Sentić, Deputy Ombudsperson, and Mr. Budimir Ničić, Director of the Media Center and the program "Slobodno Srpski" in Čaglavica.
Through an interactive debate involving the local community, journalists, and representatives of the Ombudsperson's Institution, the aim was to address specific problems, promote understanding, and foster collaboration to improve and protect human rights in the four municipalities in northern Kosovo.
Deputy Ombudsperson Srđan Sentić presented the competencies of the Ombudsperson's Institution and emphasized how the institution responds to situations involving human rights violations. One key issue regarding human rights violations that he expressed concern about was the problem of diploma verification in the context of employment.
Budimir Ničić further pointed out daily shortcomings in the human rights system, focusing on the issues faced by media workers. "For five or six years in the Kosovo Assembly, the highest legislative body, there has been no translation when there are no Serbian deputies. Journalists and citizens watching on television, who would like to listen, do not have that option because translation is missing," Ničić stated.
Srđan Sentić highlighted that they have submitted complaints, recommendations, decisions, and reports to all authorities regarding proper conduct when it comes to language. He particularly emphasized the existence of a provision in the Constitution of Kosovo defining human dignity as inviolable and the source of all human rights.
Additionally, he mentioned that during the previous year, 207 complaints were submitted to this office, of which 70% are still pending. He also stressed that integration and inclusivity are not only human rights issues but can also serve as a catalyst in inter-human and inter-ethnic relations, which unfortunately are lacking in Kosovo.
During the debate, serious human rights violations in northern Kosovo were discussed, including the presence of special units, security issues, the ban on Serbian press entering Kosovo, and many other issues faced by non-majority communities. The issue of arrests without respect for the presumption of innocence was also highlighted. Such arrests are considered serious violations of civil rights, and the debate emphasized the need to respect basic legal principles and individual rights during judicial processes.
The debate pointed out numerous challenges related to human rights in Kosovo, and the participation of different actors underscores the need for continued efforts in achieving and protecting these rights.
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