Pristina, February 8th, 2024 – Within the project “Advancing human rights through increasing public awareness”, implemented by the organization “Advocacy Center for Democratic Culture” (ACDC) and supported by UNMIK, a round table was organized to discuss on human rights with the participation of civil society organizations, officials of local municipal institutions and representatives of non-governmental organizations from the ranks of the Serbian, Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities of the Ferizaj region.

The main objective of this meeting was the discussion with the Ombudsperson, Mr. Naim Qelaj, on the situation of human rights at the local level, the problems faced by the citizens and the needs to be addressed; respecting the rights of non-majority communities as well as strengthening the cooperation between the Ombudsperson’s Institution and civil society organizations in an effort to protect and promote freedoms and human rights.

Participants raised issues of concern such as the challenges in the delays of judicial processes, especially on the contested procedure, then the respect of the right to use the mother tongue in judicial procedures for non-majority communities. Other problems raised were about the non-majority Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities, an issue they have about the legalization of properties in the process of building houses for citizens in need, by the institutions.

Participants stressed the treatment of requests in medical commissions for persons with disabilities, as well as the rejection of their requests for re-evaluation. Also the issue of the lack of nostrification of diplomas Kosovo – Serbia was raised, adding the concern of the situation with children begging in the streets, as well as the problem with the safety of citizens threatened by stray dogs.

On this occasion, the Ombudsperson Qelaj informed the participants about the issues addressed so far, the situations that have been raised as a concern by the citizens and also assured the participants that the issues raised at this table that have not been addressed so far will be handled in accordance with the mandate and powers of the Ombudsperson’s Institution.