OSCE Mission in Kosovo: 25 Years together
As the afternoon hours pass and sunset draws closer - the final touches completed - all is ready to welcome partners and friends joining the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo.
25 years ago, on 1 July 1999, the Mission received its mandate from the OSCE Permanent Council, giving it a leading role in matters relating to institution and democracy building and human rights, as well as organizing and supervising elections and training the newly established police force. Since then, it’s been a remarkable journey of hard work and countless achievements, from the establishment of democratic institutions through to promotion and protection of human rights and maintaining an effective public safety sector.
The anniversary event gathers a diverse array of guests, local and international dignitaries, including Prime Minister Albin Kurti and many mayors from around Kosovo, ambassadors and representatives of civil society organizations. Among the esteemed guests of the evening are Mission staff members serving since July and August 1999, dedicated to continuous successful delivery of the Mission mandate.
Celebrating OSCE and thanking partners
"This is an occasion to celebrate the OSCE, and also to thank all the OSCE Mission’s partners,” says Head of Mission, Ambassador Michael Davenport, welcoming the guests.
“During these past 25 years, Kosovars have together achieved truly great things. You have effectively established democratic institutions from scratch, created a dynamic democratic political environment and pluralistic media, with a thriving civil society, and have formed inclusive and accountable public safety bodies, including the Kosovo Police. You have established independent institutions, such as the Ombudsperson or the judicial and prosecutorial councils, and have put a solid legal framework in place to protect human rights, including the rights of non-majority communities, and religious communities,” Ambassador Davenport says.
“I could go on,” he continues, “but the point is that these are Kosovo’s very remarkable achievements - and the OSCE Mission has been proud to support you at every step of your extraordinary journey, staying true to its mandate.”
Speaking about the Mission’s contribution, Prime Minister Kurti says, “Over the years, the OSCE has helped us foster a stronger democracy by investing in our security and human rights. Among its many notable initiatives in the country are the support for our Police Academy, assistance to our public broadcaster, and help with institutions that oversee electoral processes, such as the Central Election Commission.”
“During my mandate, I had the good fortune of working with Ambassador Davenport, the head of the mission here. I particularly value the strong cooperation established between my office as Prime Minister and the OSCE, especially concerning non-majority communities. In such a pivotal time for the security of the region, not just our country, I am grateful for the professionalism, care, and support shown, as well as the passion for human rights and rule of law, democracy and the prosperity of our people and our society,” Prime Minister Kurti adds.
Covering every corner
Beyond its crucial role in promoting democracy and human rights, the Mission’s strength also lies in its unique presence across Kosovo through five Regional Centres and in all of Kosovo’s 38 municipalities, enabling regular contact with municipal institutions and local communities. Also, 25 years on, the Mission’s co-operation with independent institutions, many of which it has helped establish, continues to go from strength to strength.
Speakers giving guests a glimpse of this unique bond included Lindita Sejdiu-Rugova, Dean of the Philological Faculty at the University of Prishtina, Srdjan Sentić, Deputy Ombudsperson, Fatmir Menekshe, Head of the Durmish Aslano NGO and Director of Radio Romano Avazo, Dashurie Ahmeti, Head of the Youth Sector in Ferizaj/Uroševac municipality, and Jelena Bulatović, Director of NGO Centre for Minority Communities in Gračanica/Gracanicë.
In their words, whether establishing the Ombudsperson Institution, helping the Balkanistics programme at the university, empowering local NGOs, or supporting contacts between municipal institutions and non-majority communities, the OSCE has been their true partner and great supporter.
Cheers to more successes together
“The work of building democracy is never done. But the OSCE Mission will be here to support you in consolidating Kosovo’s democratic institutions, entrenching its framework for protecting human and community rights, and deepening the engagement of public safety bodies with all communities,” Davenport concludes.
As the evening draws to a close, the atmosphere is one of optimism and collaboration, with a shared commitment to future achievements in Kosovo's journey towards stability and prosperity.
