5 April 2012 – The Ombudsperson, Mr. Sami Kurteshi received in a visit Head of the Office of United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Kosovo Mr. Joël Mermet.
The Ombudsperson welcomed Mr. Mermet who recently took over the OHCHR Office in Kosovo. Mr. Kurteshi made a general presentation regarding work and engagement that the Ombudsperson Institution does within its mandate and competencies. Also, Mr. Kurteshi informed Mr. Mermet that after the selection of the Deputy Ombudspersons has been created a possibility for internal organization, which is divided in five (5) departments and new units, which are identified as necessary during the daily work of the institution. Also, Mr. Kurteshi mentioned challenges and difficulties that the Ombudsperson Institution is facing in realization of its responsibilities.

Mr. Mermet expressed his pleasure for this meeting and asserted that supporting the activities of the Ombudsperson is a part of their work plan. Mr. Mermet was also interested about the involvement of the Ombudsperson Institution in preparing the draft-laws and inclusion of its comments and recommendations. As this was a common concern, both sides agreed to intensify cooperation in this aspect.
Another issue raised during this meeting was Kosovo`s reporting in Universal Periodic Review of the Office of United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, which is not being done currently as Kosovo is not a UN member state.

Both sides expressed their readiness for further cooperation aiming to promote and protect human rights.