PRISHTINË, December 3^rd, 2014 – Ombudsperson has initiated an investigation as per the impacts on human rights predicted by the Constitution and Laws in the field of University Education of the Decision no. 178/01B of the Minister of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Rame Buja, on 13^th of November 2014, Concerning enrollment of KLA fighters’ children in Prishtina University “ Hasan Prishtina” in 2014/2015 Academic year.

Through this Decision Minister Buja demands from the Rector of Prishtina University “Enrolment of KLA fighters’ children [. . .] who had undergone examination according to the official deadlines announced through competitions for the Academic year 2014/ 2015”.

Ombudsperson exposes his concerns for the increased tensions recently related to the University of Prishtina. In order to appease the situation, the Ombudsperson based on Ombudsperson’s Law, today has officially requested from the Minister Buja[click here] and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Mr. Hashim Thaci[click here] to suspend implementation of the Decision until investigation conducted by this institution is accomplished. This recommendation does not in any way prejudge the merits of the case or investigation results. Both requests are attached to this statement.

Simultaneously, the Ombudsperson considers that any illicit interference on regular flow of the learning process is considered totally unacceptable. As per this issue, on November 27 2014 PM Thaci has declared the following:

“University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina” ought to be the center of knowledge and education. Hard working students and those committed to gain knowledge and develop further deserve to be enrolled in it. Kosovo will never forget the precious sacrifice and commitment of KLA veterans…However support goes for UP “Hasan Prishtina” and its leadership in literal implementation of students’ agreements and enrollment standards. Enrollment and learning deadlines, terms of preliminary agreement and legal rights estimable solely for those who really need and deserve that, should be respected. Solutions should be found in compliance with agreements and legal deadlines and not in the street.”[1]

The Ombudsperson salutes PM statement regarding Prishtina University of as well as his gratitude exposed not solely for war veterans but for martyrs, disabled and missing persons of KLA war.

Ombudsperson considers that the most efficient way on disposal of PM Thaci and Minister Buja to enforce their support for Prishtina University, as “ center of knowledge and education” is to exercise legal competence of postponement of above given decision, until full investigation conducted by Ombudsperson is completed.