Prishtinë, 18 April 2018 – recently published European Commission Kosovo 2018 Report estimates that the Ombudsperson Institution (OI) has continued to strengthen its capacity in case reviewing, and by doing so, has become the most trusted institution in Kosovo.
The Report emphasizes that the legal framework widely guarantees protection of fundamental human rights in compliance with European standards, but further endeavors and engagements are required for their enforcement. Additionally, implementation of human rights strategies and legislation is often undermined by inadequate financial and other resources, particularly at local level, due to limited political prioritization and lack of coordination.
Unavoidably, the Report reviews actions and interactions of the OI towards responsible State authorities and evaluates improvement of the dialogue between the Ombudsperson and governmental institution, as well as increasing number of enforced recommendations.
The Report points out establishment of the National Preventive Mechanism against Torture within the OI, emphasizing the fact that the relevant staff in the Ombudsperson Institution has been extensively trained and has started to review and investigate complaints received.
Further, the Report emphasizes addressing of citizens’ right to good administration by the Ombudsperson, as an independent oversight institution.
As per the property rights, the Report stresses that the Ombudsperson has recommended amending of the Law on Kosovo Property Comparison and Verification Agency (KPCVA) in order to ensure its compliance with the Kosovo Constitution, European and international human rights standards. The amendments recommended by the Ombudsperson concerns Agency’s mandate and responsibilities to act in case of illegal re-occupation of displaced persons’ properties, which is not foreseen with the current law.
As per non-discrimination, in the field of social policy and employment, the Reports points out that the number of complaints received by the Ombudsperson from citizens remains the same, but stresses that the number of cases initiated on own initiative (ex-officio) has been doubled.
The Ombudsperson appreciates findings of the European Commission Report, according to which the OI is considered to be the most reliable institution in Kosovo. This qualification follows the annual Regional Co-operation Council (RCC) survey, which in the Balkan Barometer 2017 has listed the OIK as the most trusted institution among the key state institutions, not only in Kosovo but also in the Balkans.