Prishtinë, 5 June 2019- Ombudsperson Institution in cooperation with Kosovo National Audit Office, on the occasion of marking the World Environment Day, organized a Round Table Discussion with the theme “Safe and Healthy Environment- Human Right and Constitutional Responsibility”.

The aim of this round table was to discuss about the situation of environment in Kosovo as well as regarding environmental problems which country faces, in order to find modalities for proper addressing of environmental problems by responsible institutions in the country. The round table aimed to highlight the importance of cooperation of public institutions with the Ombudsperson and the Auditor General related to implementation of recommendations addressed to the central and local level institutions, aiming enhancement of the state of the environment in the country.

Participants of this round table were representatives from the Assembly of Republic of Kosovo, from the European Union Office in Kosovo, from Judiciary system, from Kosovo Police, the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning, from other central and local level institutions, as well as from International Organizations in the country, and representatives from civil society.

The Ombudsperson Mr. Hilmi Jashari and Auditor General, Mr. Besnik Osmani disclosed to participants findings in the recent reports published by these two Institutions addressed to responsible institutions in the country, regarding the state of the environment and the recommendations addressed to the responsible institutions as per addressing many environmental problems, so that the right to a safe and healthy environment is guaranteed.

Representatives of the EU Office in Kosovo pointed out that according to Progress Report 2019 for Kosovo, environmental problems in Kosovo, as well as the lack of institutions’ political willingness to undertake appropriate measures for protection of the environment, have impacted on citizens’ wellbeing and health.

Member of the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, Rural Development and Spatial Planning, Mr. Salih Zyba emphasized that Kosovo has largely harmonized local legislation with EU legislation concerning the environment, but its implementation still lacks in practice by the responsible state institutions.  Executive Director of BIRN, Mrs. Jeta Xharra, speaking on behalf of KOSID (Kosovo Civil Society Consortium for Sustainable Development) expressed dissatisfaction with the failure of country’s institutions to undertake effective measures in addressing environmental problems, with the special emphases on procedures related to provision of environmental and water permits. According to her, citizens have often been violated the right to participate in decision-making on issues of vital interest for protection of environment. Chief Prosecutor of the Basic Prosecution Office in Prishtina, Mr. Imer Beka emphasized that the Basic Prosecution Office in Prishtina faces a considerable number of issues of environmental nature.