Pristina, December 3rd, 2024 – On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which is marked on December 3rd, the Ombudsperson reaffirms his dedication to protecting and promoting the rights of persons with disabilities and monitoring state authorities’ compliance with these rights. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of inclusion, diversity, and respect for human dignity, without distinction.

Persons with disabilities are an integral part of our society, and their contributions are invaluable. It is, therefore, the duty of institutions and every individual to take concrete actions to ensure equal treatment, non-discrimination, and full social inclusion.

Nevertheless, persons with disabilities continue to encounter significant barriers in accessing healthcare, education, employment opportunities, and active participation in public life.

Over the years, the Ombudsperson has tackled numerous issues concerning the rights of persons with disabilities through reports and recommendations directed at state authorities. Among these, the recommendation on the medical reassessment of disability for paraplegic and tetraplegic individuals has notably prompted amendments to regulations that conflicted with Law No. 05/L-067 on the Status and Rights of Paraplegic and Tetraplegic Persons.

The implementation of the Ombudsman’s recommendations concerning the technical conditions of construction facilities to ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities in Kosovo municipalities has remained inadequate. Most municipalities continue to infringe upon the rights of persons with disabilities by failing to provide proper access to public facilities and spaces.

The Ombudsperson finds that the responsible institutions have not made adequate efforts to enhance the rights and services for persons with disabilities. Despite the Constitutional Court’s confirmation on August 3rd, 2023, of the constitutional amendment to incorporate the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Assembly of Kosovo has yet to approve the Convention.

Therefore, the Ombudsperson urges the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo to approve the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and calls on the relevant authorities to develop plans and allocate budgets for its implementation. This Convention aims to promote, protect, and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, while fostering respect for their inherent dignity.