09.02.2024. » 11:39 | ACDC

Roundtable Discussion on Human Rights Challenges in Ferizaj/Uroševac Region

As part of the "Advancing Human Rights through Raising Public Awareness" project, implemented by NGO ACDC, and supported by UNMIK, a roundtable was organized in Ferizaj/Urosevac.

roundtable-discussion-on-human-rights-challenges-in-ferizajurosevac-region — FOTO: ACDC

As part of the "Advancing Human Rights through Raising Public Awareness" project, implemented by NGO ACDC, and supported by UNMIK, a roundtable was organized in Ferizaj/Urosevac.

The main objective of this meeting was to discuss with Ombudsperson, Mr. Naim Qelaj the state of human rights at the local level, the challenges faced by citizens, and the needs that need to be addressed, including the respect for the rights of non-majority communities, as well as strengthening cooperation between the Ombudsperson Institution and civil society organizations in efforts to protect and advance freedoms and human rights.

Participants included civil society organizations, local municipal officials, and representatives from non-governmental organizations representing the Serbian, Romani, Ashkali, and Egyptian communities in the Uroševac region.

Participants raised issues of concern such as the challenges in the delays of judicial processes, especially on the contested procedure, then the respect of the right to use the mother tongue in judicial procedures for non-majority communities. Other problems raised were about the non-majority Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities, an issue they have about the legalization of properties in the process of building houses for citizens in need, by the institutions.

Participants stressed the treatment of requests in medical commissions for persons with disabilities, as well as the rejection of their requests for re-evaluation. Also the issue of the lack of nostrification of diplomas Kosovo – Serbia was raised, adding the concern of the situation with children beggin in the streets, as well as the problem with the safety of citizens threatened by stray dogs.

On this occasion, the Ombudsperson Qelaj informed the participants about the issues addressed so far, the situations that have been raised as a concern by the citizens and also assured the participants that the issues raised at this table that have not been addressed so far will be handled in accordance with the mandate and powers of the Ombudsperson’s Institution.