Prishtina, 5 June 2025 – On the occasion of World Environment Day, the Ombudsperson reiterates the importance of the environment and the responsibility for environmental protection, defined as a right and value for which we should all work.

The symbolism of this day is the opportunity to discuss and raise global awareness for environmental protection as well as for the orientation of policies that would bring a spirit of responsibility to institutions, communities and individuals.

The Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo, Article 52, has imperatively determined that the environment, nature and biodiversity are the responsibility of everyone and at the same time has committed public institutions to guarantee everyone the opportunity to influence decisions related to the environment in which she/he lives.

One of the serious problems in the country is air pollution, which continues to have a serious impact on the health of citizens, and especially the air quality in the municipality of Prishtina continues to be a concern. Other challenges faced by citizens are actions in violation of the Law on Water, problems with water infrastructure, construction without municipal environmental permits, pollution from waste, an unsafe environment, inaction by authorities regarding environmental problems, problems from stone quarries, noise, conflict of competences between the municipal and central levels, and failure to include environmental principles in environmental bylaws.

The Ombudsperson also draws attention to other challenges such as non-compliance with construction conditions, lack of emergency spaces, parking lots, sanitary spaces, construction waste management, natural and adequate lighting, environmental pollution, ventilation and noise, sanitary spaces, adequate access conditions to public roads and technical infrastructure, restrictions on the protection of natural, historical and cultural values, all of these issues, according to the Ombudsman, constitute serious violations of the rights of the country’s citizens.

The Ombudsperson calls on state institutions to take concrete steps to stop irregularities affecting the environment, as well as to make the environment a priority for the government. A call is also made to the bodies of the judicial power to provide effective judicial protection to citizens regarding the handling of cases initiated in court for violation of environmental rights.

World Environment Day is celebrated on June 5, which was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972. This year’s theme is “Beat Plastic Pollution” and aims to raise awareness about protecting the environment from the single-use plastic that is thrown away or burned and pollutes every ecosystem, from mountaintops to the bottom of the ocean.