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Ombudsperson discussed human rights with representatives of communities in Gracanica

21/04/2022

Pristina, April 21 2022 – Following the “Equality for All” campaign, the Ombudsperson, Mr. Naim Qelaj with associates gathered members of civil society, journalists, human rights activists and representatives of local institutions in Gracanica.

The participants were briefed about the mandate, role and competencies of the Ombudsperson, as well as how investigations are conducted in this institution about the citizens’ complaints.

“Every individual should enjoy his rights for a more dignified life, for a more secure life and with a perspective for the future. Also, each state mechanism must do its job when it comes to any violation of human rights,” said Mr. Qelaj.

The participants have raised a number of issues that concern the residents of the municipality of Gracanica, and that in some cases the Ombudsperson has opened investigations, such as the case of the pollution of the river Gracanka.

They also stressed that in this municipality there is still a lack of public transport, especially for Prishtina, while transport is also lacking for the villages of the municipality. Organizations dealing with returnees say these families are living in difficulty, while youngsters face challenges in getting an education and graduates also face difficulties in verifying diplomas obtained in Northern Macedonia with apostille stamps. Some families need more health care because of the number of people with disabilities.

Another concern raised by the public was the issue of public safety where the residents of this area face major home burglaries and thefts, and greater commitment of the police was demanded.

The other activist said that the Roma community is facing a lot of problems such as high youth unemployment, illegal landfills are constantly being set up near the community’s residence, and they do not have access to the road leading to their cemetery.

The Deputy Mayor of Gracanica, Mr. Leutrim Ajeti was present at this roundtable and answered the questions from the audience that had to do with the obligations of the municipality.