1 November 2011 – Under the auspices of the Ombudsperson Institution (OIK) was held in Prishtina the round table on the topic “THE OMBUDSPERSON-HUMAN RIGHTS-MEDIA”, as a joint discussion between the representatives of Media in Kosovo and the Ombudsperson Institution regarding human rights and freedoms, the space given to this category in the media and the mutual cooperation.

The Ombudsperson, Mr. Sami Kurteshi, in the capacity of a host of this round table welcomed the present representatives of media and during his speech he raised various aspects of the Ombudsperson`s role and mission.
Amongst others, Mr. Kurteshi said that the Ombudsperson and Media are not contestants, but they are supplementary factor and they complete each other. „The Ombudsperson and Media are not opponents, but they are rather partners in accomplishing their missions, off course, by respecting the mutual work “said Mr. Kurteshi during his speech.
In this round table, which is the beginning of a cycle of round tables that the OIK plans to organize, the following persons gave their contribution as panellists: Mr. Donat Syla (RTK), Skënder Berisha(Newstv Kosova), Anamari Repic(RTK) and Fadil Bajraktari (Kosovapress), who during their speeches addressed the cooperation between the Ombudsperson and Media, and they emphasized particular fields of human rights, which could be the topics in which the media could play a big role. Also, Ms. Jeta Xharra (BIRN) and Mr. Bajrush Morina (Bota Sot) gave their special contribution by delivering their speeches.
Amongst others, during the round table was emphasized the need to organise such meetings with Media aiming to intensify cooperation between the Ombudsperson and Media, which so far left much to be desired. Due to the lack of such closer cooperation, very often happened that various reports issued by the Ombudsperson regarding human rights were not covered by Media and were not included in the stories broadcasted by mass Media.
A better cooperation would strengthen the voice of those who are vulnerable by also handling such cases publically. Also, it has been emphasized the need for higher presence of the Ombudsperson in the Media and higher engagement of the OIK Media Office in the future.
During this round table were introduced to the Media 5 (five) Deputy Ombudspersons who were recently elected by the Assembly of Kosovo.
During the round table were also issued conclusions and recommendations, which will serve to improve and drive forward the communication between the Ombudsperson and Media in the future.