Newsroom
OSCE Mission in Kosovo promotes the use of minority languages
PRIZREN 7 December 2006
PRIZREN, 7 December 2006 - The use of both official languages, Albanian and Serbian, is not properly respected in Kosovo municipalities, according to an OSCE Mission report published today.
Based on an assessment conducted by the Mission's municipal teams, the report analyzes the current situation regarding the promotion and protection of minority language rights.
"The respect for the language rights of minority communities is a symbol and a living testimony of tolerance. With this report, the OSCE is proud to contribute to the continuing development of minority language rights and policies in Kosovo municipalities," said Ambassador Werner Wnendt, the Head of the OSCE Mission.
The report suggests that although some municipalities have taken positive initiatives such as the publication of a newsletter and leaflets in all official languages and setting up translation units, the overall implementation of the legislation on language rights remains unfulfilled.
Only half of the assessed 30 municipalities and 3 provisional municipal units have claimed to use all official languages in official communication, public information and municipal documentation, which demonstrates a clear violation of the principles of non-discrimination based on language and ethnicity.
A lack of financial and human resources, general negligence and political unwillingness are among the reasons that have led to this situation.
In order to remedy these shortcomings, the report offers recommendations to central and local authorities.
"All municipalities should demonstrate a more proactive approach to addressing minority queries, concerns and needs by establishing more mechanisms to supplement the work of Municipal Community Offices in reaching out to communities," said Ambassador Wnendt.
Municipalities are also encouraged to ensure the full implementation of Bosnian and Turkish languages where required.
The OSCE Mission has also advised the Ministry of Transport and Communications to guarantee corrective and sustained action towards replacing road signs that utilize unofficial names, are defaced or reflect incorrect spelling.
The OSCE Mission will continue to monitor and support the implementation of minority language rights, allowing for the viable existence of all communities and their non-discriminatory participation in a democratic society.
Based on an assessment conducted by the Mission's municipal teams, the report analyzes the current situation regarding the promotion and protection of minority language rights.
"The respect for the language rights of minority communities is a symbol and a living testimony of tolerance. With this report, the OSCE is proud to contribute to the continuing development of minority language rights and policies in Kosovo municipalities," said Ambassador Werner Wnendt, the Head of the OSCE Mission.
The report suggests that although some municipalities have taken positive initiatives such as the publication of a newsletter and leaflets in all official languages and setting up translation units, the overall implementation of the legislation on language rights remains unfulfilled.
Only half of the assessed 30 municipalities and 3 provisional municipal units have claimed to use all official languages in official communication, public information and municipal documentation, which demonstrates a clear violation of the principles of non-discrimination based on language and ethnicity.
A lack of financial and human resources, general negligence and political unwillingness are among the reasons that have led to this situation.
In order to remedy these shortcomings, the report offers recommendations to central and local authorities.
"All municipalities should demonstrate a more proactive approach to addressing minority queries, concerns and needs by establishing more mechanisms to supplement the work of Municipal Community Offices in reaching out to communities," said Ambassador Wnendt.
Municipalities are also encouraged to ensure the full implementation of Bosnian and Turkish languages where required.
The OSCE Mission has also advised the Ministry of Transport and Communications to guarantee corrective and sustained action towards replacing road signs that utilize unofficial names, are defaced or reflect incorrect spelling.
The OSCE Mission will continue to monitor and support the implementation of minority language rights, allowing for the viable existence of all communities and their non-discriminatory participation in a democratic society.