23 November 2011 – The Ombudsperson Mr. Sami Kurteshi, today visited Roma, Askali and Egyptian communities living in Fushë Kosovë/Kosovo Polje. In a particular meeting at Integration`s Hall “Fidan Lahu”, the members of these communities informed the Ombudsperson about their problems and concerns, despite the fact whether these problems belong to all three communities or only one community.

The members of all three communities present in this meeting, as well as the managers of two NGOs, “Balkan Sunflowers” and “Health for All”, which are very active pointed out the difficulties they face. The concern that has been mentioned by all speakers in this meeting was the high rate of unemployment among all three communities and hard living conditions, which are a result of such a high unemployment rate.
Also, the members of these communities pointed out the fact that they don`t feel discriminated as regards health care, neither neglected nor discriminated by doctors. But, on the other hand, they are not able to buy medicaments prescribed to them by doctors and to provide further needed medical treatment.
Also, the members of Egyptian and Askali communities pointed out the need to have regular TV programs dedicated these two communities through which they will be able to express their culture and identity.
As regard the education, they pointed out that their situation is better comparing with previous years. They also mentioned that they have no problems as regards freedom of movement.
The Ombudsperson said to the members of these communities that their concerns will be part of reports that will address the institutions, regarding human rights situation and joint efforts to make Kosovo a country in which all its citizens feel and are equal.
After the meeting, the Ombudsperson visited neighbourhoods 28 and 29 in Fushë Kosovë/Kosovo Polje, in which live members of Roma, Askali and Egyptian communities.