Pristina, November 10th, 2026 – The Ombudsperson has published Ex officio Report No. 251/2023 regarding air quality in the Republic of Kosovo from a human rights perspective, which has been addressed to the Government of the Republic of Kosovo and other responsible institutions.

The report was drafted as part of an investigation initiated on the Ombudsperson’s own initiative, following reports from institutions and the media concerning air pollution in the country. Its purpose is to assess the state of air quality, the existing legal and institutional framework, and the effectiveness of measures taken by public authorities to protect the environment and citizens’ health, in accordance with constitutional and international human rights standards.

Upon reviewing data from the competent institutions, the Ombudsperson has determined that air pollution continues to be one of the primary environmental and public health challenges in Kosovo. According to data from the Kosovo Environmental Protection Agency (KEPA), 171 days in 2025 were recorded with exceedances of the daily limit value for PM₁₀ particulate matter within the state monitoring network, with pollution concentrations peaking primarily during the winter season. Meanwhile, the National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo (NIPHK) has assessed that exposure to air pollution is linked to an increased risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases—particularly among children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic conditions.

The report also addresses challenges in the implementation of legislation, a lack of sufficient human and technical capacity for inspection and oversight, the need to strengthen monitoring and inter-institutional coordination, and the importance of adopting sustainable policies and measures to reduce pollution.

Drawing upon standards established by the European Court of Human Rights, the Ombudsperson has emphasized that protecting human rights from the consequences of environmental pollution requires the state to fulfill its positive obligations by taking effective, preventive measures—especially when authorities are aware of the risks that pollution poses to the lives, health, and well-being of citizens. The Ombudsperson has addressed recommendations to the responsible institutions aimed at strengthening institutional mechanisms, ensuring the effective implementation of legislation, advancing public policies, and undertaking coordinated and sustainable measures to reduce air pollution, with the goal of protecting public health and guaranteeing the effective enjoyment of human rights within a clean and healthy environment.

Report in English available soon at www.oik-rks.org