OSCE launches an overview of the situation of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities in Kosovo

PRISHTINË/PRIŠTINA, 10 January 2020 — The OSCE Mission in Kosovo launched today in Prishtinë/Priština a comprehensive overview of the situation of the Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities in Kosovo.

The overview covers all of the 24 Kosovo municipalities where these community members reside. The overview provides a brief demographic picture and list of settlements inhabited by members of the three communities for each municipality. Statistical information on infrastructure, employment, education, health care, representation in decision-making and return and repatriation is also provided.

“We are hoping that this overview will be useful as an information tool, but also as a vehicle for mobilizing local and international resources for further assistance to these communities,” said Dominik Drasnar, Senior Communities Adviser within the Mission’s Department of Human Rights and Communities. “It provides a localized perspective and can thus guide targeted programming. If a donor is interested in a particular municipality, they have the information readily available. Likewise, if they are concerned about a particular thematic area, say education, they can easily see what the situation is per municipality.”

In line with its mandate, the Mission works on issues related to the Kosovo Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities.

The Mission has a particular focus on ensuring representation of community members in decision-making processes and also focuses on developing an effective inclusion policy, and increasing their employability. In 2020, the Mission will start sponsoring a comprehensive internship scheme for selected graduates from the three communities.

The report is available on the web site at https://www.osce.org/mission-in-kosovo/443587