OSCE Mission in Kosovo supports protection of cultural heritage

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo, the Kosovo Council for Cultural Heritage and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports are jointly organizing a series of public debates to raise awareness of the need to protect cultural and religious heritage.

The debate series started in Skenderaj/Srbica municipality on 28 June 2011. Debates have since been held in Mitrovicë/Mitrovica, Obiliq/Obilić, Gjilan/Gnjilane, Prizren, Pejë/Peć and Deçan/Dečane, and three events are planned for September in Vushtrri/Vučitrn, Rahovec/Orahovac and Lipjan/Lipljane. The series emphasizes the role of individuals and local communities in protecting cultural heritage.

“We are trying to create an understanding that cultural heritage belongs to all and that political disagreements and dissatisfaction can be expressed in ways other than damaging religious or cultural monuments,” said Edi Shukriu, archaeologist and President of the Kosovo Council for Cultural Heritage.

The OSCE Mission is also supporting the Kosovo Council for Cultural Heritage by helping it develop an official website that will provide up-to-date information on cultural heritage in Kosovo in the Albanian, Serbian and English languages.
The support for the Council is part of the Mission's work to protect and promote human and community rights.