Prishtinë, 10 December 2021 – The Ombudsperson today has published the specific working Report on the impact of Covid-19 pandemic on human rights and provides a general overview of the specific challenges and problems faced by citizens in the field of human rights

The report “Health emergencies and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on human rights in the Republic of Kosovo” addresses the impact of pandemic restrictive measures, specifically in public health, mental health, on the right to a fair and impartial trial, domestic violence, on children’s rights and the impact of health emergencies on children’s lives, including children with disabilities, and social and labor rights.

The Ombudsperson ascertains that social services, although immeasurably needed in times of pandemics, have been limited and have been associated with many difficulties. The situation has been impaired by the late announcement of regular grants to support providers of social service. The Ombudsperson pointed out also that during the time of restrictive measures, the number of domestic violence has increased significantly. According to Report’s findings, 1915 cases were recorded in 2019, while in 2020, 2069 cases of domestic violence were reported to the police.

On the other hand, the Ombudsperson has ascertained that the pandemic has also affected on deterioration of economic status, by further deepening the gap of social inequality among families. The economic situation of households is reported to have been further exacerbated by the risk of increasing poverty.

The Report issues 22 recommendations which are addressed to public authorities in order to respect human rights standards in the future in any restrictive measures that may be imposed in emergency situations.

Report in English language soon at www.oik-rks.org