Pristina, October 24, 2022 – The Ombudsperson, Mr. Naim Qelaj, together with the staff of the National Torture Prevention Mechanism (MKPT), visited the Special Institute in Shtime on Monday.

The Ombudsperson was received by the director of the institute, Mr. Xhemajl Dugolli and his staff who discussed the daily works and activities that this residential center provides for 63 people without family care, including health services and social care. The institute has 70 employees, including the professional staff, where a psychologist and an occupational therapist have recently been hired.

Mr. Dugolli emphasized that the institute has fulfilled all the recommendations that came out of the reports of the Ombudsperson and also of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT). He emphasized that the main concern at the moment is the lack of the institution’s status, working regulations, and that would generally bring better results in the smooth running of the work.

Another concern raised was regarding the Home for Children with Mental Disabilities in Shtime, which is the only open-type institution in Kosovo, with a capacity of 10 beds, but all ten persons have already reached the age of 18. The children’s home accommodates children with special needs and offers 24-hour services, such as: food, clothing, health care, educational and rehabilitative occupational therapy, and social treatment.

Ombudspeson Qelaj visited the workshops and daily centers, then the medical room, the kitchen and other spaces where the residents stay. He congratulated director Dugolli and all the workers for the work they are doing for citizens with special and great needs. He said that the Institute should continue with these development steps and that IAP will be ready to contribute to their success.