Pristina, December 1, 2022 – Ombudsperson, Mr. Naim Qelaj met the members of the non-majority communities of the municipality of Novoberdo, where the mayor of the municipality, Mr. Sasha Milosevic attended too. The workshop was opened by the director of the NGO “Advancing Together”, Mr. Bashkim Ibishi, the organizers of the meeting based on a project aimed at raising the capacities of municipal officials and community representatives to be more active in engaging communities in various projects. The officials of the center for social work for this municipality also participated in this meeting.

Ombudsperson, Mr. Naim Qelaj said that it is important that the heads of the institutions are close to the citizens as a good way to listen more closely to the challenges and problems they face. He spoke about the rights that citizens enjoy for an active life, but also about the responsibilities and obligations of municipalities for creating the opportunities.

Mr. Qelaj added that the well-being of citizens is one of the obligations of local and central institutions, stressing that the lack of budget and other capacities in municipalities are making the situation difficult. He also said that the lack of employment is one of the most important issues, but more work should also be done in providing quality in education and health. He underlined that the citizens of this beautiful environmental area should participate in discussions whenever it comes to the environment, as a responsibility and their right.

Deputy Ombudswomen, Mrs. Anita Çavdarbasha Korenica explained to the participants the role and mandate of the Ombudsman, as a defender and promoter of human rights. Mr. Shemsedin Mustafa, legal advisor in the regional office of Gjilan, spoke about the work and activities of this office, emphasizing that this office welcomes all citizens who have complaints.

The mayor of the municipality, Mr. Sasha Milosevic said that the municipality welcomes ideas and projects from citizens. He said that the municipality has allocated an amount of 270 thousand euros for the coming years to support ideas for projects.

Participants emphasized that youth employment is the main concern for them, while issues such as the environment and lack of transportation are also topics they consider important. In this municipality, there are 437 families living under social assistance.