Latest
Press Release
08 March 2023
THE SECRETARY-GENERAL -- OPED FOR INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
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Story
02 March 2023
Vaccination Caravans: Brining Information and Vaccination Closer to Communities
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Story
22 February 2023
BONEVET: Empowering Children to Turn Ideas into Reality
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Latest
The Sustainable Development Goals in Kosovo
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Kosovo:
Publication
25 January 2021
United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2021-2025
This United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2021–2025 (Cooperation Framework) articulates the United Nations development system’s cooperation with Kosovo institutions and partners over the next five years. Underpinned by solid analysis of key social, economic and environmental challenges, the Cooperation Framework aims to support progress towards sustainable development in Kosovo anchored around the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in line with government and regional integration priorities. In short, the Cooperation Framework expresses collective aspirations for a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient sustainable development for Kosovo.
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Publication
24 June 2022
Results Report of 2021
The second year in a row overshadowed by COVID-19, 2021 spelled a period of resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges and set Kosovo on a remarkable path to recovery that defied predictions.
For the UN, 2021 also marked the first year of implementation of our Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2021-2025, an important milestone to testify to the close relationship between the United Nations and the government and people of Kosovo. Throughout 2021, we delivered tangible results across five priority areas, bringing agencies together to ensure a more effective, integrated response with partners to fight the pandemic and forge pathways towards resilient recovery.
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Publication
22 July 2021
Maximising Synergies Between the 2030 Agenda and Kosovo’s European Agenda
The United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the European Union (EU) Reform Agenda are both aimed at supporting development reforms and long-term prosperity, presenting important areas of complementarity and synergy. As a result, there is an opportunity to capitalise on the areas of complementarity and synergy that underlie these mutual efforts in Kosovo. The issue of sustainable development features heavily in EU strategic frameworks and policies: the 2030 Agenda is integrated systematically into the EU’s foreign policy, and sustainable development is a prevailing objective of the EU in Kosovo. Given this shared commitment to the SDGs, there is potential to collaborate more closely in Kosovo and expand on existing initiatives with the aim to facilitate Kosovo’s progress towards SDG achievement and further its development and progress on its European path.
This report illustrates how Kosovo’s development trajectory is directly intertwined with progress towards its EU aspirations. A comparison between the chapters of the EU acquis and the SDGs reveals over 60 per cent alignment. The framework for EU enlargement could help contribute to improved outcomes with respect to the SDGs and Kosovo development objectives. At the same time, if cross-sectoral intersections between the SGDs and the EU Reform Agenda are developed, Kosovo development outcomes would be further supported.
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Publication
20 October 2022
Common Kosovo Analysis 2022
The United Nations Common Kosovo Analysis (CKA) is the UN Kosovo Team’s independent, impartial and collective assessment and analysis of the Kosovo context, which has shaped the development of its Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2021-2025. It examines progress, gaps, opportunities and bottlenecks vis-à-vis Kosovo’s commitment to achieving the 2030 Agenda. A living document, the CKA in current and future iterations will inform UNKT work on a continuous basis, making the UN responsive to emerging needs and changing conditions. The CKA is the result of an extensive multi-stakeholder process and combines data currently available separately throughout the system, useful to inform both internal and external audiences. Some data sources are outlined in the annexes. This is the second iteration of the analysis, to be used for the year 2022.
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Publication
04 August 2021
Public Pulse Brief XX
On its 20th edition, this Public Pulse Brief gives an overview of findings on ten key indicators derived from opinion polls conducted biannually with respondents in Kosovo. A collection of people’s perceptions on socio-economic issues, safety, environment, and many more pertinent issues. The 20th Public Pulse Brief, is based on an opinion poll conducted from 12 to 25 May 2021, with 1,307 respondents from all ethnic communities in Kosovo. Data and indicators from the opinion poll are disaggregated by ethnicity and gender to provide detailed information on differences in perceptions and developmental problems faced by the people of Kosovo.
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Story
02 March 2023
Vaccination Caravans: Brining Information and Vaccination Closer to Communities
Vaccines are one of the most cost effective and successful public health interventions for our generations. For every dollar that we spend on immunization programmes we receive 45 dollars return in social and economic benefits.
Recognizing this, WHO and Kosovo public health authorities have been running vaccination caravan during December 2022-January 2023 to provide both accurate information about vaccines and to bring life-saving vaccines closer to people. “The caravan has been a great success, with more than 400 people vaccinated against seasonal influenza and COVID-19. More than 2,000 people received up-to-date information on COVID-19 prevention and control measures,” said Oleksandr Martynenko, Head of WHO office in Pristina. The caravan visited Pristina, Gjilan/Gnjilane, Gjakova/Đakovica, Prizren, Peja/Peć, Mitrovica south, Fushe Kosove/Kosovo polje, Obiliq/ć, Vushtrri/Vučitrn, in total 29 Municipalities.
“We provided trusted vaccines. We digitized registration and appointments. People came to the vaccination centers. With the vaccination caravan, we came to you at your areas to inform you that vaccines are crucial to save lives and we offered you vaccination against COVID-19 and seasonal flu”, said Dr Dafina Gexha-Bunjaku, Deputy Minister of Health.
The Vaccination Caravan is part of an overall WHO effort to protect health and well-being of the people in the Western Balkans region. WHO and Kosovo health authorities have been working hand-in-hand to raise awareness of the importance of vaccination, to convey messages how vaccines reduce the risks posed by such diseases as influenza and COVID-19. “The focus was working with people and for people, said Dr Isme Humolli from WHO office in Pristina. It is also an important part of the WHO and its Balkan Hub’s work to strengthen the resilience of Kosovo health systems, enhance its emergency preparedness and response capacity.
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Story
22 February 2023
BONEVET: Empowering Children to Turn Ideas into Reality
BONEVET, which means "Do it Yourself" in Albanian, is a child-friendly learning environment where natural abilities are nurtured, and young people are encouraged to discover their individual talents and interests through play and technology. The mission of BONEVET is to empower and support children and young people in turning their ideas into reality.
Lira, a student who has attended BONEVET's STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) courses for a year, is a testament to the value of this innovative learning environment. The STEAM classes helped her to develop ideas with value, imagination, and creativity, as well as equipping her with the technical and creative skills necessary to bring those ideas to life.
Now six years old and in her first year of school, Lira has developed an understanding and thought process that allows her to solve challenges in various aspects of life. She has completed courses in programming, robotics, and the arts.
Lira used mTiny, an early childhood education robot for kids that she calls the Panda Robot, to join the world of programming and robotics. The robot's colourful and visual puzzle blocks were tools for her to "guide/program" it. Lira also enjoyed the art class, which allowed her to visualize her ideas and unleash her creativity. Moreover, classes such as Froebel Gifts enabled her to make connections between her learning and the real world.
BONEVET offers this variety of courses to complement each other and touch different aspects of children's development. According to Lira, "BONEVET is a great space for me. It has many children where they can take part in one class but can also visit other classes and see if they like it."
BONEVET's interdisciplinary approach to learning also helps children in their real life. As Lira explains, "BONEVET teaches you about school, mathematics, shapes, and it teaches children very, very, very well."
As Kosovo is working in increasing access to proper early childhood education, BONEVET has an immeasurable impact on the education of children. Supporters such as UN and partners are invaluable allies who contribute to the education of thousands of students. BONEVET has centres in Gjakova/Đakovica, Pristina, Kamenicë/a, Kaçanik-Kačanik, and Mitrovica south, making it possible for children all over Kosovo to participate in their courses.
UN Agencies such a UN Women, UNDP etc, are engaged with BONEVET since it’s onset, with the latest notable partnership around Manifesta Biennale 14 in 2022, with UNICEF and Development Coordination Office, when part of an ‘Animals. Once upon a time. In a present time’ installation was done by the artist Driant Zeneli with a group of children and youth. LINK
BONEVET functions as a network of connected centres, and this article was written by, Rinë Fetahu, Managing Director of the Pristina BONEVET Centre. For more information, please see www.bonevet.org.
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Story
30 December 2022
Helping people recover from the COVID crisis Building Resilience Among People Who Need It Most
It isn’t much, but I wanted to make them for my children. That is what they are to me, you know. They have helped me so much during this time, and I knitted a pair of woolen socks for each of them, to show how thankful I am,” she says.
“The socks will keep them warm in the winter. So, in a way, I am helping them too,” she chuckles.
This kind-hearted and generous woman is Remzije Morina. But to everyone who knows her, she is “Auntie” Remzije – an endearing and respectful term used in Kosovo when referring to elderly women.
Auntie Remzije lives alone in her home in the Radoste village, just outside of Gjakovë/Ðakovica. She has three daughters who are married, have children, and live in other parts of Kosovo. “They check in on me from time to time, but they have their families to look after,” says Auntie Remzije.
She is one of around 200 people who received health and social services through the Mobile Clinic, as part of the ‘Response to COVID-19 Emergency and Early Recovery Support’ Action, known also as the Humanitarian Assistance Project (HAP). Financed by the European Union Office in Kosovo, HAP has been implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kosovo, with some activities carried out in partnership with UN Women Kosovo.
Operated by the Humanitarian and Charitable Society “Mother Teresa”, the Mobile Clinic is a customized vehicle that travels from village to village, helping people living in remote, hard-to-reach areas, who have limited to no access to much-needed health, social, and legal services.#
The customized vehicle is one of four that have operated as part of HAP. The other three have been managed by Handikos Gjilan/Gnjilane, Agency for Free Legal Aid, and the Horizon Consulting medical company. A little under 1,000 people have been assisted through the mobile clinics since the beginning of the HAP project. Having been donated to the respective NGOs and the Ministry of Health, the mobile clinics will continue to operate.
The Humanitarian and Charitable Society ‘Mother Teresa’s humanitarian workers visited Auntie Remzije from time to time during the past year, checking her health, bringing her the medication she needed, and taking her to visit a physiotherapist. Auntie Remzije has a damaged hip, which causes her pain, difficulty while walking, and can only be cured through a hip replacement. She has had this for as long as she can remember. Her living alone, in the outskirts of town, coupled with her condition, makes it hard for Auntie Remzije to travel, and through HAP’s Mobile Clinic, the humanitarian workers have made sure she got the help she needed.
While Auntie Remzije’s woolen socks were unbranded, the clothes that another beneficiary makes are tagged. Elki Gojani Ricami is a self-taught seamstress. She has been sewing clothes for five years now. Before that, she worked with her husband in the trading business. “Making clothes has always been a passion of mine; I just didn’t get into it professionally until five years ago,” explains Elki. “My husband started getting some fabrics from Italy. I kept some and started sewing dresses, and well… the rest is history,” she says smiling. “Now I make coats, jackets, more dresses, blouses, shirts, and anything you can think of,” she adds. Elki started out sewing clothes by hand. The dresses she was making five years ago were simple and didn’t require much skill. But with time, she decided to teach herself to do more. She never studied fashion design, or sewing; instead, she learnt by watching videos on YouTube, and practicing. But as much as she was willing and eager to learn, something was holding her back. “When I started, I only had a simple sewing machine. But there are things you can’t make with just that. Like the beads and bar tracks of buttonholes, for example. Or the lapels and collars and patch pockets of these coats and jackets. I had to iron down the glue that holds it together by hand. It would take me 2-3 days to make one coat, from start to finish, and I would not have time to make other things. That wasn’t very profitable, you know?” explains Elki. “But since I received this extra equipment last year, everything is so much easier,” she adds. Elki is one of the 25 women from Gjakovë/Ðakovica who received trainings as part of the Humanitarian Assistance Project, with the aim to empower women economically in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The trainings helped women further develop their skills in terms of innovation, business plan development, entrepreneurship, and digital marketing. Trainings were completed with practical support, with each woman receiving equipment tailored to their needs, to help them start new businesses, or strengthen existing ones. The activity was implemented in partnership with UN Women Kosovo, with trainings facilitated in cooperation with the Women’s Business Association ‘SHE-ERA’. 81 women in total were trained as part of the HAP project; in addition to the women from Gjakovë/Ðakovica, another 26 women from Pejë/Peć, and 30 from Mamushë/Mamuša/Mamuşa were trained. 51 women living in vulnerable situations receiving equipment. Elki received two types of equipment: a coat pasting machine, and an iron along with the ironing board. “I used to make one coat in 2-3 days, now I make 2-3 coats per day,” says Elki thankfully. And the trainings have helped me a lot. I’ve learnt how to better promote my business and my skills. I now have clients outside of Gjakovë/Ðakovica too,” she says. Besides being used as a hobby or for professional work, threads and needles can be used to relieve stress, especially during difficult situations such as those the pandemic brought about. Witnesses to this effect are the residents and visitors of the Humanitarian Society for Mothers with Intellectually Disabled Children “Hader” in Prizren. “They crochet, they knit, sew, make jewelry with beads, and make all sorts of other crafts. It helps them, and makes them happy,” says Resmije Krasniqi, the co-founder and Director of ‘Hader’. Established in 1999, ‘Hader’ was an initiative of a few mothers whose children are mentally challenged; Resmije is one of them. “My daughter is the reason I do all this. Taking care of her, made me think of children with special needs their mothers, and how much I wanted to help them. And I was especially concerned with the wellbeing of the children with physical and mental disabilities who had no one to look after them. Who was going to help them?” asks Resmije. ‘Hader’ has five residents, while the rest are visitors who come by in the morning and stay for a few hours. The center houses children as well as adults with disabilities, regardless of their age, ethnicity, or religion. “Hader is home to anyone who needs it,” says Resmije. And one of those who does is Beqir Lami, who has been living there since 2014. “When he first came here, he was an alcoholic. He had no roof over his head. I took him in and offered him shelter, and he has been living with us ever since,” explains Resmije. Beqir is a disabled veteran of the 1999 conflict in Kosovo. Beqir used to be married, and he has a son and a daughter. But Beqir doesn’t have much contact with either of his children. “I was living a completely different life back then,” says Beqir, trying to piece together the very few memories he has from that time. “I used to drink, a lot. I was depressed and aggressive. But my sister helped me to recover,” he says, looking at Resmije, who smiles at him with admiration and pride. “Beqir has come a long way,” says Resmije. “He even gives back to this place. It’s his home after all,” she says. “He helps out, works in the garden, plays with the kids, and looks after the old place,” she laughs. “And I try to take even better care of it ever since the renovations,” adds Beqir chuckling. He is referring to the renovations ‘Hader’ made with the grant it received from HAP. The humanitarian organization is one of 11 residential centers supported through the EU-funded project, to help rehabilitate, renovate, and reconstruct their facilities, in turn, allowing them to provide even better care to the families they help. Having received just over 8,000 Euros, ‘Hader’ was able to replace their old kitchen with a brand new one, buy sofas, a wooden cooking stove, tables, and chairs, as well as beds and wardrobes for the five residents. “Hader” has benefited greatly from the HAP project. Because of the rehabilitation, daily social services are now easier to provide. And the people housed here have especially benefited from the support, because with their housing conditions improved, so has their well-being,” says Resmije. We say goodbye, leaving Beqir and Resmije looking at pictures taken through the years, reminiscing, and thankful of how far they have come. The dispatchment of the four mobile clinics, the trainings and equipment provided to strengthen women’s economic empowerment, and the grants for the rehabilitation of the 11 residential centers were only three of the 13 activities carried out as part of the EU-funded Humanitarian Assistance Project. Five of them were implemented in partnership with UN Women Kosovo. Through the HAP project, UNDP set up a Voucher Scheme of just under 3 million Euro to support 8,290 families for 8 months. Families could purchase food, hygiene products, and other necessities as per their needs. Water and heating costs were covered for 1,819 families for six months. 40 UN Community Volunteers were deployed to support the Centers for Social Work (CSW) across Kosovo to ensure timely provision of social services. It provided an opportunity for newly graduated students to gain valuable work experience, becoming the next generation of social workers. In addition to the 11 residential centers, 30 CSWs were supported through targeted renovations and rehabilitation. The initiative created a better space for all and made it possible to provide higher quality services to people in need. More than 200,000 women and men from marginalized groups were reached through campaigns organized by UN Women Kosovo that addressed discriminatory gender stereotypes and social norms, with gender equality considerations being applied throughout all HAP activities. Up to 4,000 front-line workers and visitors of CSW and shelters also received much-needed hand sanitizers, protective gloves and masks to keep help them be protected against the virus. Guided by the United Nations’ ‘leave no one behind’ principle, the HAP project has been at the heart of UNDP’s COVID-19 recovery efforts, providing relief to those who needed it most. Story by Elsa Kelmendi, photos by Arben Llapashtica.
While Auntie Remzije’s woolen socks were unbranded, the clothes that another beneficiary makes are tagged. Elki Gojani Ricami is a self-taught seamstress. She has been sewing clothes for five years now. Before that, she worked with her husband in the trading business. “Making clothes has always been a passion of mine; I just didn’t get into it professionally until five years ago,” explains Elki. “My husband started getting some fabrics from Italy. I kept some and started sewing dresses, and well… the rest is history,” she says smiling. “Now I make coats, jackets, more dresses, blouses, shirts, and anything you can think of,” she adds. Elki started out sewing clothes by hand. The dresses she was making five years ago were simple and didn’t require much skill. But with time, she decided to teach herself to do more. She never studied fashion design, or sewing; instead, she learnt by watching videos on YouTube, and practicing. But as much as she was willing and eager to learn, something was holding her back. “When I started, I only had a simple sewing machine. But there are things you can’t make with just that. Like the beads and bar tracks of buttonholes, for example. Or the lapels and collars and patch pockets of these coats and jackets. I had to iron down the glue that holds it together by hand. It would take me 2-3 days to make one coat, from start to finish, and I would not have time to make other things. That wasn’t very profitable, you know?” explains Elki. “But since I received this extra equipment last year, everything is so much easier,” she adds. Elki is one of the 25 women from Gjakovë/Ðakovica who received trainings as part of the Humanitarian Assistance Project, with the aim to empower women economically in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The trainings helped women further develop their skills in terms of innovation, business plan development, entrepreneurship, and digital marketing. Trainings were completed with practical support, with each woman receiving equipment tailored to their needs, to help them start new businesses, or strengthen existing ones. The activity was implemented in partnership with UN Women Kosovo, with trainings facilitated in cooperation with the Women’s Business Association ‘SHE-ERA’. 81 women in total were trained as part of the HAP project; in addition to the women from Gjakovë/Ðakovica, another 26 women from Pejë/Peć, and 30 from Mamushë/Mamuša/Mamuşa were trained. 51 women living in vulnerable situations receiving equipment. Elki received two types of equipment: a coat pasting machine, and an iron along with the ironing board. “I used to make one coat in 2-3 days, now I make 2-3 coats per day,” says Elki thankfully. And the trainings have helped me a lot. I’ve learnt how to better promote my business and my skills. I now have clients outside of Gjakovë/Ðakovica too,” she says. Besides being used as a hobby or for professional work, threads and needles can be used to relieve stress, especially during difficult situations such as those the pandemic brought about. Witnesses to this effect are the residents and visitors of the Humanitarian Society for Mothers with Intellectually Disabled Children “Hader” in Prizren. “They crochet, they knit, sew, make jewelry with beads, and make all sorts of other crafts. It helps them, and makes them happy,” says Resmije Krasniqi, the co-founder and Director of ‘Hader’. Established in 1999, ‘Hader’ was an initiative of a few mothers whose children are mentally challenged; Resmije is one of them. “My daughter is the reason I do all this. Taking care of her, made me think of children with special needs their mothers, and how much I wanted to help them. And I was especially concerned with the wellbeing of the children with physical and mental disabilities who had no one to look after them. Who was going to help them?” asks Resmije. ‘Hader’ has five residents, while the rest are visitors who come by in the morning and stay for a few hours. The center houses children as well as adults with disabilities, regardless of their age, ethnicity, or religion. “Hader is home to anyone who needs it,” says Resmije. And one of those who does is Beqir Lami, who has been living there since 2014. “When he first came here, he was an alcoholic. He had no roof over his head. I took him in and offered him shelter, and he has been living with us ever since,” explains Resmije. Beqir is a disabled veteran of the 1999 conflict in Kosovo. Beqir used to be married, and he has a son and a daughter. But Beqir doesn’t have much contact with either of his children. “I was living a completely different life back then,” says Beqir, trying to piece together the very few memories he has from that time. “I used to drink, a lot. I was depressed and aggressive. But my sister helped me to recover,” he says, looking at Resmije, who smiles at him with admiration and pride. “Beqir has come a long way,” says Resmije. “He even gives back to this place. It’s his home after all,” she says. “He helps out, works in the garden, plays with the kids, and looks after the old place,” she laughs. “And I try to take even better care of it ever since the renovations,” adds Beqir chuckling. He is referring to the renovations ‘Hader’ made with the grant it received from HAP. The humanitarian organization is one of 11 residential centers supported through the EU-funded project, to help rehabilitate, renovate, and reconstruct their facilities, in turn, allowing them to provide even better care to the families they help. Having received just over 8,000 Euros, ‘Hader’ was able to replace their old kitchen with a brand new one, buy sofas, a wooden cooking stove, tables, and chairs, as well as beds and wardrobes for the five residents. “Hader” has benefited greatly from the HAP project. Because of the rehabilitation, daily social services are now easier to provide. And the people housed here have especially benefited from the support, because with their housing conditions improved, so has their well-being,” says Resmije. We say goodbye, leaving Beqir and Resmije looking at pictures taken through the years, reminiscing, and thankful of how far they have come. The dispatchment of the four mobile clinics, the trainings and equipment provided to strengthen women’s economic empowerment, and the grants for the rehabilitation of the 11 residential centers were only three of the 13 activities carried out as part of the EU-funded Humanitarian Assistance Project. Five of them were implemented in partnership with UN Women Kosovo. Through the HAP project, UNDP set up a Voucher Scheme of just under 3 million Euro to support 8,290 families for 8 months. Families could purchase food, hygiene products, and other necessities as per their needs. Water and heating costs were covered for 1,819 families for six months. 40 UN Community Volunteers were deployed to support the Centers for Social Work (CSW) across Kosovo to ensure timely provision of social services. It provided an opportunity for newly graduated students to gain valuable work experience, becoming the next generation of social workers. In addition to the 11 residential centers, 30 CSWs were supported through targeted renovations and rehabilitation. The initiative created a better space for all and made it possible to provide higher quality services to people in need. More than 200,000 women and men from marginalized groups were reached through campaigns organized by UN Women Kosovo that addressed discriminatory gender stereotypes and social norms, with gender equality considerations being applied throughout all HAP activities. Up to 4,000 front-line workers and visitors of CSW and shelters also received much-needed hand sanitizers, protective gloves and masks to keep help them be protected against the virus. Guided by the United Nations’ ‘leave no one behind’ principle, the HAP project has been at the heart of UNDP’s COVID-19 recovery efforts, providing relief to those who needed it most. Story by Elsa Kelmendi, photos by Arben Llapashtica.
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Story
25 November 2022
Strengthening the Functionality of the Public Health Emergency Operation Center (PHEOC)
During the COVID-19 pandemic response, Kosovo established a Public Health Emergency Operation Center (PHEOC) to improve emergency management. World Health Organisation, in collaboration with public health authorities, organized a workshop between November 1 and 4, 2022, to further strengthen the PHEOC. The workshop aims to strengthen the existing PHEOC's functionality by conducting a comprehensive assessment of existing capacities, gaps, and needs, as well as developing a PHEOC implementation plan in accordance with the WHO PHEOC Framework. The plan will also direct future processes aimed at improving the central PHEOC and establishing a functional network with Regional Public Health Institutes.
All governments are obliged to have Public Health Emergency Operational Centers, which is defined on the basis of IHR-2005 and the laws in force in Kosovo. Therefore, the WHO is supporting M of Health and Institute for Public Health to strengthen these operational centers which, even under normal conditions, will follow the events that may eventually progress to an emergency. WHO supports capacity building in the PHEOC to achieve such an objective.
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Story
08 December 2022
8 Billion Strong in Kosovo: World of Infinite Possibilities
The global celebration spearheaded by the United Nations and its population agency also had its Kosovo leg, with UNFPA and the Assembly of Kosovo Council for Sustainable Development holding a stakeholder roundtable on 15 November 2022 to reflect on demographic policies in Kosovo. Labelled as a World of Infinite Possibilities, the roundtable was an opportunity for institutional, civil society and international partners in Kosovo to reflect on demographic achievements of the past two decades, identify existing challenges and find ways to strengthen policy ideas for demographic resilience. The Council is the coordinating body of the Assembly of Kosovo with respect to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and this agenda was naturally the backdrop to the discussion. In particular SDGs 3,5, and 8 and their related objectives received central attention, given their direct relevance to the topic.
A central address of the event was that of the Assembly of Kosovo President, Glauk Konjufca. Mr. Konjufca outlined the diverse aspects of his institution and the institutional spectrum of Kosovo related to demographic resilience and social development. He stressed inter-agency cooperation and the need for further policy and legislative upgrades towards equality and inclusiveness, sustainable development and care for people and families in need. Mr Konjufca pointed out the Kosovo youth as a particular asset for development, but also one that needs attention given the trend of relative population reduction in Kosovo. A general and comprehensive national plan for demographic policies should be pursued, he concluded.
The chairperson of the Assembly Council for Sustainable Development, Fatmire Kollçaku, stated that inequality persists in the world and that the developed world has an obligation to support the underdeveloped. The UN Development Coordinator in Kosovo, Arnhild Spence, provided the key elements of the global demographic picture and best examples of demographic resilience pursued by the UN system across the world, as well as in Kosovo. Details in this regard were further provided by the UNFPA Head of Office, Visare Mujko-Nimani, who went through the numerous historical and current UNFPA efforts and programs strengthening institutional policies and social resilience in Kosovo. The participants had the opportunity to hear and discuss these matters also with the Kosovo Agency of Statistics representatives, academics, and representatives of the Kosovo Women’s Network, providing the much-needed attention to the women’s perspectives of development, demographic policy and resilience.
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Press Release
08 March 2023
THE SECRETARY-GENERAL -- OPED FOR INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
Around the world, progress on women’s rights is vanishing before our eyes. The latest forecasts estimate that on our current track, it will take another 300 years to reach full gender equality.
Today’s cascading crises, from the war in Ukraine to the climate emergency, affect women and girls first and worst. And as part of the global pushback against democracy, women’s rights over their bodies and autonomy over their lives are being questioned and denied.
Two statistics make our failure very clear:
Every ten minutes, one woman or girl is murdered by a family member or intimate partner.
And one woman dies every two minutes during pregnancy or childbirth. Most of those deaths are entirely preventable.
On International Women’s Day, we must commit to doing better. We need to reverse these horrific trends and stand up for the lives and rights of women and girls, everywhere.
This is one of my core priorities and a central plank of the work of the United Nations around the world.
From South Sudan to Myanmar, we are supporting women and girls in crisis and making sure their voices are heard in peace processes.
The Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, recently visited Afghanistan with a message for the authorities: women and girls have fundamental human rights, and we will never give up fighting for them.
This year, International Women’s Day focuses on closing gender gaps in science, technology, and innovation. Globally, men are 21 percent more likely to be online than women — and over 50 percent more likely in low-income countries.
But even the richest countries lose out because of gender-based stereotypes and historic bias. In the tech industry, men outnumber women two to one. In Artificial Intelligence, it’s five to one.
Big data is the new gold, and the foundation of today’s political and business decisions. But it often ignores gender differences – or turns a blind eye to women altogether.
We should all be alarmed by products and services that bake in gender inequality right from the start, and digitize patriarchy and misogyny.
The Silicon Valleys of this world must not become Death Valleys for women’s rights.
Medical decisions based on data from men’s bodies can not only harm women; it can be deadly.
Discrimination against women in science and technology is the result of centuries of patriarchy, discrimination and damaging stereotypes. Women account for just three percent of Nobel Prize winners in scientific categories since 1901. And women online – including scientists and journalists – are often targeted for sexist hate speech and abuse designed to silence and shame them.
But they will not be silenced. Women and girls everywhere are demanding their rights, and their words reverberate around the world.
We need action on several fronts to make sure women and girls can make their full contribution to the world’s knowledge through science and technology.
We must break down barriers — from discriminatory data to stereotypes that push girls away from studying scientific subjects at an early age.
Decisionmakers of all kinds must broaden women’s participation and leadership in science and technology, through quotas if necessary.
They should be creative, widening the recruitment pipeline and hiring for skills. And they must be persistent. Gender equality will not happen by itself; it has to be prioritized and pursued. This approach is getting results at the United Nations, where we have our own strategy for gender parity among our personnel.
We also need action to create a safe digital environment for women and to hold accountable both the perpetrators of online abuse, and the digital platforms that enable them.
The United Nations is working with governments, civil society, the private sector and others on a Code of Conduct aimed at reducing harm and increasing accountability on digital platforms, while defending freedom of expression.
Women’s rights are not a luxury that can wait until we solve the climate crisis, end poverty and create a better world.
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Press Release
01 December 2022
DEEPLY SADDENED BY THE MURDER OF A PREGNANT WOMAN ALLEGEDLY BY HER PARTNER, THE SECURITY AND GENDER GROUP CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE AND CONCRETE PROTECTION OF WOMEN
The second femicide in Kosovo in less than a week has stained the annual global campaign to bring an end to violence against women and girls, this time with a nine-month pregnant woman shot dead allegedly by her partner.
The devastating death of the pregnant woman on Wednesday, 30 November in Prishtinë/Priština, whose unborn child also did not survive the shooting, follows on the murder of S.G by her husband in her sleep on Friday (25 November), International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the same day that the annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence began around the world.
The Security and Gender Group (SGG) strongly condemns these atrocious acts. We express indignation at the number of women’s lives lost in Kosovo to violence perpetrated by their partners or former partners. We also strenuously call upon relevant institutions urgently to address the institutional protection failure which allows reported domestic violence to result in femicide, and to provide effective protection to those victims whose lives are still at risk.
Also, the SGG extends heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.
As the whole world marks the annual international “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence” campaign, we are shocked at these blatant cases of apparent partner violence directed at women– giving the dreadful statistic of two cases of femicide only five days apart.
Gender-related killings of women, known as femicide, are the most brutal and extreme manifestation of a continuum of violence against women and girls. This kind of violence remains the most pervasive human rights violation around the world.[1] A global report launched a few days ago by UN Women and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) revealed that, around the world, on average five women or girls are killed every hour by someone in their own family.[2]
Such extreme forms of violence against women and girls are preventable. This can be achieved through early intervention and multi-stakeholder and multisectoral partnerships.
According to the study on Gender and Small Arms in Southeast Europe, the likelihood of women being killed increases by between five and twelve times if the perpetrator of domestic violence has a firearm, legal or illegal.[3] In this case, although the victim had a protection order, the perpetrator managed to murder her using a firearm. In Kosovo, during 2012-2016, 71.4% of women and 81.8% of men killed by a family member utilized a firearm. All the women killed by an intimate partner during this period were killed with firearms.[4]
According to Article 24(1) of the Law on Protection against Domestic Violence, the Kosovo Police shall respond to any report relating to acts of domestic violence or threats to commit such acts. The Law further states that the “Kosovo Police shall use reasonable means to protect the victim and prevent further violence.” It established specific measures to be taken in such cases. In this case, the victim had been issued a protection order against the suspect, valid until 13 March 2023. Furthermore, an indictment was filed against the suspect with charges of threat against the victim in August of this year and the initial hearing was held in September.
There were 2,273 cases of domestic violence reported to the police from January to the end of October 2022; sadly, but not surprisingly, more than 85 per cent of the victims were women.
To ensure that all women and girls are protected effectively in the future, SGG members appeal to relevant institutions to:
guarantee justice for victims, concrete actions to prevent violence against women and girls, protect victims, prosecute, and sentence the perpetrators in line with the Istanbul Convention.
initiate perpetrator programmes aimed at changing violent behavioural patterns
implement electronic monitoring technologies through bracelets to enable judicial and executive authorities to restrict, regulate and enforce the perpetrator’s locations, movements, and schedules, and thereby prevent the reoccurrence of violence.
allocate adequate resources to ensure more effective reporting mechanisms from social workers
allocate adequate resources to the police to treat domestic violence cases with the highest priority and determination
properly conduct a multi-agency review of these latest gender-related killings to ensure organisational failings are identified and lessons are learned that allow those failings to be addressed and not to reoccur
establish an independent Task Force composed of representatives from state stakeholders’ institutions and specialized NGO representatives and specialized NGOs to assess and evaluate the treatment of the latest cases of femicide by respective officials and institutions.
invest in fighting gender stereotyping and a culture of violence against women and girls since early education.
Ensure effective risk assessment of Domestic Violence cases and develop adequate safety plans for the victims.
Rigorously monitor protection orders and provide victims with immediate access to police protection.
Seize firearms immediately when a Domestic Violence case is reported.
The SGG will not stop raising the voice of women victims to ensure we increase effective means to educate, deter, prevent, protect and prosecute domestic violence and femicide. We will be the voice for those who may believe they are voice-less, and we will stand firm against gender-based violence.
Note to press
The Security and Gender Group (SGG) is a multi-stakeholder group, chaired by UN Women. The following signatories are members of SGG and support this public statement:
International organizations and Embassies: UN Kosovo Team (UNKT) agencies including the Office of the UN Development Coordinator, UN Women, IOM, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT), Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR); The Embassy of Sweden in Kosovo, The Embassy of Finland in Kosovo, EULEX, UNMIK-UN Mission in Kosovo, EU Office/EUSR in Kosovo, OSCE Mission in Kosovo.
Women’s organizations and NGOs: Kosova Women’s Network; Kosovo Gender Studies Center (KGSC), YIHR KS, Network of Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian Women Organizations (NRAEWOK), Jahjaga Foundation, Kosovo Law Institute (KLI).
Kosovo Institutions: Agency for Gender Equality
[1] https://www.unwomen.org/en/news-stories/in-focus/2022/11/in-focus-16-days-of-activism-against-gender-based-violence
[2] https://www.unwomen.org/en/digital-library/publications/2022/11/gender-related-killings-of-women-and-girls-improving-data-to-improve-responses-to-femicide-feminicide
[3] Gender-Analysis_Report_KOS_ENG.pdf (seesac.org)
[4] Gender-Analysis_Report_KOS_ENG.pdf (seesac.org), see page 21
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Press Release
01 September 2022
THE SECURITY AND GENDER GROUP CALLS FOR ACTION TO BE TAKEN FOLLOWING THE RAPE OF A MINOR GIRL IN PRISTINA
The group calls upon relevant institutions to take effective measures to thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the case and ensure effective delivery of justice for the survivor. There can be no tolerance for rape and other forms of sexual violence and no impunity for perpetrators
SGG also calls upon the media to refrain from publishing information that might lead to disclosing the survivor’s identity. In addition, the SGG calls upon relevant institutions to build specialized services for addressing sexual violence whilst committing to join efforts in protecting and supporting survivors of gender-based violence.
As a globally occurring and significantly underreported crime, sexual violence against women and girls needs to be addressed in a manner presenting the least risk to those seeking assistance and ensuring the right to safety, confidentiality, and non-discrimination to the survivor with support provided in the most dignified manner. Finalization of the Protocol for Treatment of Sexual Violence cases should happen as a matter of urgency, clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of each institution involved in supporting survivors of sexual violence. At the same time, the justice system needs to ensure that the perpetrators are held criminally liable and punished as prescribed by the Kosovo criminal code and provided for in the Istanbul Convention.
Examinations conducted by the Kosovo Forensic Institute show that majority of victims of sexual violence are minors. The latest rape case, committed brutally against a minor girl, is deeply shocking and reveals that even the most vulnerable are not protected.
The Istanbul Convention, the provisions of which are to be directly applicable in Kosovo, and which the Kosovo institutions have committed to implement includes specific requirements on addressing cases of sexual violence including rape, ranging from criminalisation to protection of victims (Article 25 and Article 36). Recognizing the severe trauma associated with sexual violence, including rape, the Istanbul Convention states that immediate provision of comprehensive, survivor-centred responses through quality essential health, social and justice services and supplies is ensured. Protection from violence and abuse is the right of every child, as enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Kosovo Law on Child Protection implementing the CRC in Kosovo.
The SGG commits to join efforts in fulfilling the rights of survivors of sexual violence and calls upon competent institutions to guarantee those rights by providing specialized training for all stakeholders involved in offering the support to which survivors are legally entitled, and by establishing specialized government-funded shelters for sexual violence survivors, and in the case of children, specialized centres for child survivors, as established in the Law on Child Protection, considering the specific needs and vulnerabilities of children. The group is lobbying to strengthen the preventive role of the Kosovo police through community policing and regular patrolling around the neighbourhoods, childcare facilities, schools and other public places.
Providing adequate and rehabilitative services is not only a sexual violence survivor’s right, but also a prerequisite for feeling safe and empowered, for ending impunity for perpetrators and for closing the serious gap in underreporting. The SGG calls various stakeholders, educational institutions, communities, the media, police, civil society organizations and other institutional partners to join efforts to prevent sexual violence.
The SGG strongly condemns any act of violence against women and girls and remains committed to amplify and unite our voices and efforts to end this suffering and injustice in our society.
International organizations and Embassies: UN Development Coordinator in Kosovo a.i. on behalf of the UN Kosovo Team , OSCE Mission in Kosovo , EULEX Kosovo (Official) , Embassy of Japan in Kosovo , Suomen suurlähetystö Pristina - Embassy of Finland in Pristina , UNMIK - United Nations Mission in Kosovo , European Union in Kosovo.
Women’s organizations and NGOs: Kosovo Gender Studies Center (Qendra Kosovare për Studime Gjinore), SIT - Center for Counseling, Social Services and Research , Youth Initiative for Human Rights - Kosovo (YIHR KS), Inject - Initiative for Justice and Equality , Kosova - Women 4 Women , Network of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian Women's Organizations of Kosovo, Jahjaga Foundation .
Kosovo institutions: Agency for Gender Equality (Agjencia për Barazi Gjinore/ Zyra e Kryeministrit)
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Press Release
12 August 2022
THE SECRETARY-GENERAL -- MESSAGE ON WORLD HUMANITARIAN DAY
There is a saying: “It takes a village to raise a child.”
It also takes a village to support people living through a humanitarian crisis.
This village includes affected people who are always first to respond when disasters strike — neighbours helping neighbours.
It includes a global community pulling together to support them as they recover and rebuild.
And it includes hundreds of thousands of individual humanitarians — volunteers and professionals alike.
Delivering health care and education.
Food and water.
Shelter and protection.
Help and hope.
Far from the spotlight and out of the headlines, humanitarians work around the clock to make our world a better place.
Against incredible odds, often at great personal risk, they ease suffering in some of the most dangerous circumstances imaginable.
Today, the number of people who need humanitarian assistance has never been higher, because of conflicts, climate change, COVID-19, poverty, hunger and unprecedented levels of displacement.
On this year’s World Humanitarian Day, we celebrate humanitarians everywhere.
We salute their dedication and courage, and pay tribute to those who lost their lives in pursuit of this noble cause.
They represent the best of humanity.
***
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Press Release
27 June 2022
UNODC Executive Director’s Message International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking Recording on May 27
The pandemic undermined physical and mental health, strained healthcare systems, and disrupted drug treatment and services.
Instability from Ukraine to Afghanistan to Africa and beyond has increased the number of people in need of emergency assistance.
The industry of illicit drugs continues to ramp up during these challenging times.
In 2020, more than 280 million people around the world used drugs.
Seizures of synthetic drugs have multiplied in the last ten years, while the opioid crisis in North America claims more lives every day, and non-medical use of tramadol continues to endanger people in Africa and the Middle East.
Even as we work for long-term, sustainable solutions, there are people who need urgent access to treatment and care, now.
We need to reach those who are most difficult to reach, because they need us the most: people in refugee camps and humanitarian settings; people at risk of being left behind as a result of the pandemic; and people facing barriers of stigma and discrimination.
Women are among the foremost victims of conflict and crisis, and they often face greater barriers to treatment for drug use disorders.
In some parts of the world, the proportion of women among treated patients is below ten per cent.
We need to ensure access to care for all, including in emergencies.
We also need to ensure that controlled medicines are available for pain relief around the world, and in humanitarian settings.
At the UN Office on Drugs and Crime we are committed to providing care and support to the people affected by illicit drugs, no matter the circumstances.
Everyone has a role to play, from governments to civil society to individuals, in bringing the necessary attention and resources to this issue, and we stand ready to work with all of you.
Let us show those who need us that we care, by providing the care that they need in these times of crisis.
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Latest Resources
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Resources
17 June 2022
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