Pristina, October 10th, 2025 – The Ombudsperson, Naim Qelaj and Deputy Basri Kastrati participated in the presentation of the report “Mental Health and Social Care Services in Kosovo: Residential Housing for Individuals with Mental Health Problems and Psycho-social Disabilities”. The report was published by the non-governmental organization QIPS, the Center for Information and Social Improvement.

Ombudsperson emphasized the importance of this meeting due to the fact that it is held on World Mental Health Day.

In recent years, there has been an increase in interest in addressing issues related to mental health, however, a much more serious approach is required from institutions, taking into account the fact that the investigations conducted by the Ombudsperson have identified many shortcomings in both the legislation and the mechanisms that provide mental health services, which consequently result in a lack of services for those in need.

The Ombudsperson also said that there have been delays for several years in drafting the new mental health law, while the old law that is in force cannot be implemented in large part because administrative acts have not been issued.

He noted the need for the personnel providing these services to be more supported by the competent institutions to create appropriate conditions for work and the provision of professional services.

The Ombudsperson emphasized that despite the challenges in some segments, Kosovo is doing better than some countries in the region, adding that the country is still far from meeting EU standards.

The Ombudsperson praised the work of the organization for the published report, drawing attention to the fact that it is of particular importance that these reports be taken into consideration by institutions as they can be of great use to them in their work.