Pristina, December 10, 2022 – Ombudsperson, Mr. Naim Qelaj, on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, appreciates the unstoppable efforts of human rights activists, so that the state construction of the Republic of Kosovo is in accordance with the values and goals expressed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The Universal Declaration proves that it is not enough only to establish frameworks and principles that define human rights as values that must be respected, but that these principles and values must find practical application in our daily lives, where the role of the state is decisive.

The Republic of Kosovo continued its progress in advancing and respecting human rights, being a model country where the sovereignty of the state originates from its citizens and where respect for human rights is the foundation of the state.

The Republic of Kosovo continues to face challenges for membership in international and regional mechanisms, to be an equal member with other countries. On this day, the Ombudsperson calls on the government and all international partners to seriously commit to our country being part of the Council of Europe, as the most important European institution for human rights and freedoms.

The Ombudsperson emphasized that membership in the mechanisms of the Council of Europe will create much more suitable circumstances for the advancement of human rights in the country. On the other hand, it will be a full guarantee for the citizens of the Republic of Kosovo in respect of their rights by public authorities due to the supervision and obligations that the state will have in these mechanisms.

Despite the progress found, the Ombudsperson has continued to accept complaints from citizens about violations of their rights by public authorities. From the cases investigated, the situation continues to be worrying in regard with children’s rights in education, the increase in cases of domestic violence and gender-based violence, the judicial protection of rights due to delays in judicial procedures, the misadministration, and the inefficiency of authorities in response to citizens’ requests.

The Ombudsperson continuously throughout the year drew the attention of the authorities to the measures that the state should undertake in order to ensure that persons with disabilities enjoy the guaranteed rights, whose condition continues to be vulnerable.

Also, hate speech in public communication, and the inability of the state to influence prevention through early education and efficiency in response, with efficient and appropriate measures, are also worrying. The most vulnerable groups to hate speech continue to be people of the LGBTQI+ community, members of non-majority communities and people with disabilities.

The Ombudsperson will continue to be an open door for every citizen of the Republic of Kosovo, in any case without distinction, when they consider that their guaranteed rights and freedoms are being violated by the action or inaction of public authorities. On the other hand, the Ombudsperson calls on the public authorities to continue the progress in respecting the recommendations of the Ombudsperson because they are related to the lives of citizens, the conditions and standard of life and the respect of human rights based on dignity and equality.