Prishtina/Pristina, April10th 2018 – The Ombudsperson Mr. Hilmi Jashari, in the meeting with representatives of Roma community in Roma neighborhood in Gracanica, required greater institutional commitment on improvement of living conditions for members of Roma community.
While speaking about the commitment of the Ombudsperson Institution as per protection and promotion of the rights of communities, Mr. Jashari stressed the need on society’s awareness rising regarding the challenges with which Roma community face.
During this visit, the Ombudsperson visited the NGO “VoRAE” (Voice of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptians), whose mandate consists on supporting of the aforementioned communities through direct involvement, technical support and advices in the field of employment, shelter, education and civil/ human rights.
Executive Director of NGO Mr. Isak Skenderi, while speaking about activities of this organization, expressed his appreciation for the support provided by IO and the cooperation in the mission accomplishment, support to Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities.
When speaking about problems with which the members of these communities face, Mr. Skenderi spoke about the different cases of discrimination which these communities undergo, cases of repatriated persons, dropping-out from schools, housing as well as challenges as per respect of quota regarding inclusion of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities in the Kosovo civil service.
Furthermore the Ombudsperson associated by his colleagues visited some families of Roma community and gained information related to their problems. On this occasion they have visited some Roma families who have been subject of OI and NGO VoRAE assistance, related to positive solution of their cases.