Vienna, 30 April 2025 – In the framework of the ongoing commitments to strengthen international cooperation and advance European human rights standards, the Ombudsperson of the Republic of Kosovo, Mr. Naim Qelaj, held an official meeting with Ms. Sirpa Rautio, Director of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA).

The meeting was held in a constructive and inclusive spirit, where Mr. Qelaj emphasized the commitment of the Republic of Kosovo to further advance in the field of fundamental rights, in line with the values ​​and standards of the European Union. He also presented the specific needs of the Ombudsperson’s Institution in relation to the challenges it faces, ensuring non-discrimination, protecting children’s rights, guaranteeing the rule of law and supporting the most vulnerable groups in society.

The main focus was on advancing cooperation between the FRA and the Ombudsperson’s Institution and discussing Kosovo’s participation as an observer in the works of the FRA.

The FRA is an independent EU agency, with a mandate to provide evidence-based advice and support to the EU institutions and Member States, in order to ensure respect for fundamental rights in all EU policies. Its mandate includes key areas such as the promotion of equality and non-discrimination, the rule of law, the protection of victims’ rights, the protection of personal data, access to justice, as well as the rights of vulnerable groups. FRA also cooperates with national human rights institutions through thematic platforms, joint projects and the exchange of good practices.

Referring to these priority areas, the Ombudsperson Qelaj stressed the importance of Kosovo’s involvement in the work of FRA, especially on topics such as protection of children’s rights, combating discrimination, data collection, digitalisation, Artificial Intelligence, ensuring an effective judicial system and respecting minority rights. He presented the Institution’s interest in participating in FRA’s thematic networks and platforms, in benefiting from capacity-building activities and in contributing to the Agency’s thematic research and reports. He also stressed the commitment of the Republic of Kosovo to further advance in line with the values ​​and standards of the European Union and stressed the importance of Kosovo’s rapprochement with European human rights mechanisms.

Ms. Rautio welcomed the proposals presented and expressed the FRA’s readiness to strengthen cooperation with the Kosovo’s Ombudsperson Institution. She appreciated the vital role of independent institutions in guaranteeing fundamental rights and stressed the importance of Kosovo’s involvement in joint efforts to promote EU values ​​and standards in the region. In addition, she announced that although political barriers currently do not allow Kosovo to be an observer in the FRA, they are ready, where possible, to invite the OIK to various events that are organized, to receive OIK staff on a study visit and to share the working methodology regarding data collection.

The meeting was assessed as an important step towards deepening the relations between the Kosovo’s Ombudsperson Institution and the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights, directly contributing to the advancement of human rights and the rule of law in Kosovo.