Human rights

In addition, the OSCE Mission supports relevant institutions and stakeholders in the protection and management of cultural heritage sites in Kosovo, and in addressing concerns related to cultural heritage and freedom of religion or belief through targeted actions and an improved legal framework.

Another aspect of OSCE Mission’s work is the monitoring of security incidents affecting communities in a numerical minority at the municipal level and the performance of institutions in the area of security provision and protection of communities. At the municipal level, it works with municipal participation mechanisms, such as Communities Committee, the Municipal Office for Communities and Return, Deputy Mayor for Communities, and Deputy Chairperson of the Municipal Assembly for Communities. At the government level, it supports the Consultative Council for Communities. In addition, it supports and advises institutions to facilitate durable solutions for displaced persons.

The Mission also works to enhance communication in official languages spoken and promote bilingualism. To enhance institutional compliance with language rights, it is supporting the establishment of the Government Translation and Harmonization Unit and strengthening translation capacities at the municipal level.

The Mission also helps institutions to improve access to quality education for all, as well as prevent and address school dropouts. Among various interventions, it supports community journalism in Romani language and access to health and employment enhancing initiatives, such as comprehensive internship programmes for Kosovo Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian students.