Prishtinë, 17 January 2020 – With the intention of developing and use of statistical information, assessing and implementing policies and programs which impact on respect, protection and improvement of human rights, the Ombudsperson Institution and Kosovo Agency of Statistics signed today a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding.

Both respective authorities (OI and KAS), have taken in consideration the Sustainable Development Goals adopted through a separate Resolution in January 2018 by the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo, based on 2030 Agenda and the Resolution of the General Assembly of the United Nations of September 2015. Additionally, the OI and KAS have given due concern to the international standards and instruments enshrined in Article 22 of the Constitution of the country and the importance of statistical information, including specific indicators, in measuring realization of human rights as well as enforcement of recommendations of international and domestic human rights mechanisms.

Implementation of 2030 Agenda requires a commitment for cooperation and understanding, with the aim of identifying and producing of relevant indicators, including relevant contextual indicators, which are based on guidelines on human rights indicators and on Human Rights-Based Approach to Data (HRBAD), compiled by the UN Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

Indicators are essential tool for measuring the progress on human rights and on implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The given Memo of Understanding between OI and KAS lays down the ground for collection of statistical data as well as their disaggregation, as one of the ways of addressing challenges faced by target and groups left behind.

In addition, the two undersigned institutions in the course of cooperation will analyze and exchange relevant data on identified indicators, appropriately disaggregated on the basis of protection from discrimination, pursuant to the Constitution and laws of the Republic of Kosovo and international law on human rights. Furthermore, OI and KAS will provide mutual advice and assistance, in the area of their mandate and expertise that they have, as special authorities.

It should be pointed out that the OI and KAS are supported by the Office of Human Rights of the United Nations Mission in Kosovo, respectively the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva, through a workshop with the banner “Operationalizing Human Rights Based Approach to Data and Indicators in Kosovo”, as a result on which the initial format of the Memorandum of Understanding was drafted and finalized definitely today, signed by both parties.

Within 15 days deadline, two relevant institutions will establish a joint Working Group, respectively the focal points, in view of operationalization of this Memorandum of Understanding.