
The Ombudsperson Qelaj participated in the regional conference in Podgorica
Pristina, September 29, 2023 – Ombudsperson, Mr. Naim Qelaj and his deputy, Mr. Niman Hajdari took part in the regional conference on “Ombudsmen Institutions in times of crisis”, organized by the Ombudsman of Montenegro.
Ombudsperson Qelaj in his speech said that the Republic of Kosovo, supported by the international community, has agreed to build its state and legal system based on the highest values and standards defined by international instruments for human rights and freedoms, standards which often even countries with consolidated democracies do not have. He said that the acceptance of these standards have not always been in accordance with the capacities of the state, therefore there were difficulties in their practical implementation.
He said that on the other hand, it has been very positive because it has forced the authorities to increase the dynamics of commitments to build mechanisms that enable measures to be taken to fulfill the obligations they have according to these standards. Therefore, the way the Ombudsperson’s Institution is built is based on the standards from the main instruments such as the Paris principles and those from the Venice declaration. “The authority and mandate of the Ombudsperson of the Republic of Kosovo is very broad in terms of responsibility and competence, which has increased the need to build stable capacities, with financial and functional independence, to succeed in fulfilling this mandate and our duties” , said Mr. Qelaj.
He emphasized the importance of implementing the recommendations of the Ombudsperson, adding that what we say in our positions is as important as how much the authorities listen to us, this is also measured by the implementation of the recommendations that the IAP gives. “The Republic of Kosovo is a unique example of success in all these aspects and we are well on our way to increase the level of implementation of our recommendations because an institutional awareness has already been reached that the implementation of recommendations not only shows the level of democracy and respect of human rights but improves the authorities themselves in their work,” said Mr. Qelaj.
Addressing the attendees, the Ombudsperson said that the protection of human rights and freedoms requires multi-dimensional commitment, partnership and dedication and consistency in our work, never being discouraged because it is in the interest of every democratic society.
“Through our commitment to influence the full respect of human rights and freedoms, which translated into practice is the well-being and equal treatment, without discrimination and opportunity of each member in a society and in a country,” said Mr. Qelaj.
This conference was organized on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Ombudsman Institution of Montenegro.