The Ombudsperson hosted a group of members of the “Handikos” organization, advocates for children’s rights, who came from different municipalities of the country.

The young advocates talked about their activities and work and also about the challenges and problems that they and other children with disabilities face every day. Among other things, they singled out the obstacles they encounter on the road, lack of ramps in schools, prejudice and stigma from others, bullying at school and lack of companions.

The Ombudsperson spoke about the work of the Institution has done this year investigating issues such as the employment of persons with disabilities in central and local institutions; report on access to public spaces; the report regarding the medical commission for the evaluation of paraplegic and tetraplegic persons; and the report on the accessibility of sidewalks and public spaces in Prishtina, Ferizaj and Prizren. He said that reports have been issued for these investigations for the responsible authorities and he will closely monitor the implementation of the recommendations.

The Ombudsperson thanked them for the visit and wished them all the best for 2014, reiterating his commitment to deepen cooperation so that people with disabilities can enjoy their rights.