Civil society in Kosovo is largely fragmented: it is not only often divided along ethnic lines, but there is also frequently a lack of communication and cooperation among Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) from the same communities. In view of the particular needs and internal fragmentation of most minority communities in Kosovo, ECMI Kosovo, on behalf of its project “Empowering Civil Society to Participate Effectively in Policy and Decision-making Processes through Dialogue with Government Institutions”, funded by EU and managed by the European Union Office in Kosovo,1 aimed to foster the establishment of minority CSO networks with the ultimate goal of enabling them to advocate for their specific needs and interests while united through one voice.

ECMI Kosovo has conducted previous research on substance abuse and treatment options, particularly regarding the situation in northern Kosovo. The findings suggest a serious marginalization of drug addicts, most likely stemming from the highly negative social perceptions about this type of substance abuse. International reports, as well as a general local consensus, suggest that narcotics are a common problem throughout Kosovo, particularly in the north. Stakeholders who met with ECMI also highlighted a lack of addiction rehabilitation facilities as a weakness in current healthcare.

There is not an agreed definition on international law on what or who constitutes a minority. However, in democratic theory and positive law three categories of minorities are recognized: indigenous groups who were once hegemonic in their territory and who were displaced by the current state or its predecessor, other long-standing “national minority” groups who have long co-existed within the state, and new immigrant groups. This is not an exhaustive category list, because in some states some groups, like Roma, might not find their place within it.

2013 local elections were organised for the first time in the whole territory of Kosovo, including in Leposavić/Leposaviq, Mitrovica/Mitrovicë North, Zubin Potok, and Zvečan/Zveçan. This presents a new phase in Kosovo’s development after its declaration of independence in 2008. While on the one hand, participation of all citizens and ethnic communities in the elections is a positive sign for Kosovo’s fledgling democracy and rule of law, on the other hand the election of parties and Mayors that contest Kosovo’s authority and status represents a major challenge to the institutions of the state.

Today, on Human Rights Day, the European Centre for Minority Issues (ECMI) Kosovo would like to reiterate its unwavering support for the advancement of human rights and minority rights in Kosovo. An organisation dedicated to fighting for the human rights of all citizens, particularly those belonging to minority communities, ECMI Kosovo would also like to call on government institutions and the international community to strengthen their efforts to respect, protect and fulfill human rights in Kosovo.

Violence against women is a human rights violation, a consequence of the discrimination against women, in law and also in practice, and of the persisting inequalities between men and women. Up to 70% of women and girls experience physical or sexual violence from men in their lifetime. Domestic violence also remains one of the most prevalent forms of violence against women in Kosovo. As 46% of women living in Kosovo cited evidence of domestic violence in their neighbourhood, and 12% had witnessed a husband beating his spouse.2 However, more than half of the women suffering it did not report to the police.