Pristina, July 23, 2024 – The Ombudsman, Naim Qelaj hosted representatives of the organization Helsinki Deaconess Foundation, Anca Enache and Nathalie Aubret, as well as Isak Skenderi from the organization Voice of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian (VoRAE).

The discussion focused on the rights of the Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities, including the challenges and problems of these communities.

The People’s Advocate emphasized that the Constitution and local legislation guarantee the freedoms and rights of the Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities, which are in line with EU standards. He said that he receives complaints from these communities which are mainly related to employment, education and property issues.

Helsinki Deaconess Foundation is in Kosovo with a two-year project that deals with the women of returnees’ families and women who were violated during the war. The representatives emphasized that this organization exists since 1867 and has provided services to people in need in the fields of health and social welfare.

The Ombudsman expressed his readiness for cooperation for the advancement of the rights and freedoms of the citizens of Kosovo.