OSCE Secretary General visits OIK

An OSCE delegation led by Secretary General Ambassador Marc Perrin de Brichambaut visited today the Ombudsperson Institution’s Headquarters in Prishtinë/Priština.

In briefing the Secretary General on the Institution’s mandate and activities, Acting Ombudsperson Mr. Hilmi Jashari and Deputy Ombudsperson Mr. Ljubinko Todorović drew particular attention to the challenges the Institution was currently facing.

“Although we are respected by all of Kosovo’s communities for our leading role in the protection and promotion of human rights and freedoms, the delays in appointing an Ombudsperson and adopting a local law on the Institution are hindering that role,” Mr. Jashari stressed during the meeting.

The Secretary General reaffirmed the OSCE’s ongoing commitment to the Ombudsperson Institution. “The latest Annual Report is testament to the scope of the Institution’s work and accomplishments,” he said. “The OSCE remains committed to supporting the Institution’s important role in any way it can.”

Participants at today’s meeting concluded that the Kosovo Assembly would be instrumental in securing the Institution’s continued independence and financial sustainability.