Pristina, April 23, 2026 – The Ombudsperson, Mr. Naim Qelaj participated in a roundtable in Mitrovica where the challenges of employing people with disabilities in this city were discussed and the findings of a report on this issue compiled by the non-governmental organization ‘Reconciliation Empowering Communities” (REC).

In his opening speech, Mr. Qelaj emphasized that the Ombudsperson’s Institution has conducted several researches that affect the community of people with disabilities and that many challenges remain to provide the support that is due to them by law.

He said that he has assessed the situation of education and comprehensive training of people with disabilities, for access and competition in the labor market. He added that assessments have been made of the opportunities and difficulties that people with disabilities encounter, aiming to evaluate the education system for their preparation that to be independent in accessing the labor market.

Mr. Qelaj emphasized that much work needs to be done in Resource Centers and special schools so that persons with disabilities are ready for the labor market. He added that it is up to local and central institutions to respect the laws on the rights of persons with disabilities, such as the obligation to employ persons with disabilities provided for in the Law on Training, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment of Persons with Disabilities.

On the other hand, the representative of REC, Mr. Lulzim Hakaj, presented the findings of the report on the employment of persons with disabilities in the municipality of South Mitrovica, emphasizing that inclusion in employment exists but remains limited and unequal.

According to the report, municipal data shows that currently 11 persons with disabilities are employed in public institutions in South Mitrovica, mainly in administration, education and primary health care.

The report states that this level of employment does not appear to result from the systematic implementation of the quota set by law, which stipulates 1 employee with disabilities for every 50 employees. The report also highlights the gap in implementation, where there is no tracking system and no accountability.