Pristina, July 22, 2025 – Ombudsperson, with pain, received the news and expressed deep concern about the loss of life of two workers at their workplace, as well as a worker in Istog, as a result of accidents that occurred in recent days.

These tragic events are a clear indicator of the alarming situation that prevails in the field of occupational safety and health and a consequence of the lack of effective implementation of legal standards established for the protection of human life and dignity. These cases are an indication that the situation with respect for the rights of employees, in the field of occupational safety and health, continues to be fragile.

The Ombudsperson, within the framework of his constitutional and legal mandate, has continuously addressed concerns regarding this issue. In the Ex officio report No. 252/20211, published in February 2024, it was noted that from 2004 to 2021, 232 deaths of workers who lost their lives in the workplace or as a result of working conditions were recorded. Despite the fact that this report included clear and implementable recommendations, the responsible authorities have not taken sufficient action to improve the situation.

The Ombudsperson sympathizes with the families of the workers who lost their lives in these accidents.

The Ombudsperson draws the attention of the authorities to the responsibility they have for immediate and coordinated action in implementing obligations related to safety and health at work. As it is necessary for the Labor Inspectorate to fulfill its legal obligations, through field control, especially in high-risk sectors, to influence the prevention of accidents at work and protection and safety.

On the other hand, the responsible authorities have an obligation to act with the aim of a comprehensive, professional and transparent investigation into each case of an accident at work and by establishing institutional responsibilities in exercising effective control over the implementation of legal measures for occupational safety and health, as well as the state’s responsibility for respecting the right to life and the state’s responsibility to guarantee safety and health in the workplace.