Prishtinë, 20 June 2014

World Refugee Day was established by the United Nations to honor the courage, strength and determination of women, men and children who are forced to flee their homes under threat of persecution, conflict and violence. It has been marked worldwide today, in our country as well.

On this occasion the Ombudsperson, Mr. Sami Kurteshi, visited today the Center of Asylum-seekers, which operates within the Department of Citizenship, Asylum and Migration within the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The Ombudsperson met with the head of this Center Mr.Fitim Zariqi and was informed from him regarding staying conditions and terms of the asylum- seekers in this center.

Mr. Zariqi informed the Ombudsperson that 9 persons currently are placed in this Center while it has hosted thousands of them from different counties and continents and that shelter is been provided to each of them in accordance with the Laws at force.

The Ombudsperson also met with the asylum- seekers and was interested to know about their situation and treatment in Kosovo. They expressed their gratitude and content for the conditions offered.   

The building where this Center is being placed fully satisfies requested limits of the European level in necessary shelter provision to asylum seekers during the time period while their cases are handled from Kosovo respective state authorities.