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The Ombudsperson participated in the World Congress for Persons with Disabilities

08/12/2022

Pristina, December 8th, 2022 – Ombudsperson, Mr. Naim Qelaj participated in the World Congress for Persons with Disabilities, organized in Pristina by the Goodwill Ambassador for Kosovo in IHRC, Mrs. Elvana Shala, with participation from many countries of the world.

The Ombudsperson was part of the panel where children with disabilities and their inclusion in education and society were discussed.

Mr. Qelaj said that children with disabilities belong to one of the most vulnerable groups of children and that in general they still face difficulties in enjoying their rights. The most specific obstacles are the lack of funding, expertise and specialized support services.

He said that in recent years Kosovo is aiming to implement a social model of disability where the obstacle is not seen in the disability itself, but in a combination of social, cultural and physical obstacles that children with disabilities face in their daily lives.

“The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is not directly applicable in the country, and for years it has been recommended to the Assembly of Kosovo to amend the Constitution to include this convention,” said Ombudsperson.

He said that compared to the last 10 years, there has been a significant improvement in some fields. However, he underlined, awareness of early intervention is still very low and of the role of the supporting teacher. He added that there should be more informational trainings with parents and education shareholders, paying due importance to the organization of employment campaigns for persons with disabilities.