Pristina, February 8th, 2023 – Ombudspeson, Mr. Naim Qelaj took part in a round table discussion on the topic “Law for the Protection of Children – progress in its implementation”, organized by the coalition of NGOs for the protection of children in Kosovo, KOMF.

Mr. Qelaj emphasized that the law in question obliges the government, the Independent Media Commission and the Judicial Council, to issue 18 bylaws according to their responsible areas, one year after the law enters into force.

“From the data that we have provided, so far only six of them have been drawn up and approved, despite the fact that the civil society and I, as the Ombudsperson, have reacted in time”, said Mr. Qelaj.

The Ombudspersone said that during 2022, 86 complaints related to children’s rights were received, such as the right to education, children’s rights in court proceedings, violence and the security situation in schools, children with disabilities , social and health protection of children.

“Violence continues to be a concern for us, which continues to be present in the lives of children, as has been repeatedly affirmed during discussions with pupils, such as the use of corporal punishment by teachers as a means of discipline, and bullying among children have been raised as concerns, among the of peers,”, said Ombudsperson.

Also, he emphasized that children with disabilities are still experiencing serious difficulties and face obstacles for the full enjoyment of the rights defined by law.

Mr. Qelaj underlined that regarding the social and health protection of children, Kosovo Assembly has not yet approved the Law on Social Services and the Law on Local Government Finances, despite the recommendations of the Ombudsperson in the last three annual reports.

“The approval of these laws is very important for the well-being of children, especially the Law on Social and Family Services, through which the mandate, role, powers, responsibilities and structure of social work centers would be fully regulated,” said Mr. Qelaj.

On the other hand, KOMF emphasized that during the last four months of 2022, it has held workshops with over 400 professionals at the central and municipal level, regarding the implementation of the Law on Child Protection, with the aim of mobilizing and empowering them to provide quality services for children.