Since Kosovo’s independence in February 2008, ECMI Kosovo has focused on promoting the implementation of the above laws by government institutions, through capacity building of and technical support to minority rights-related institutions (CCC, OCA, etc.) and civil society organisations, as well as on awareness raising and advocacy.
ECMI Kosovo has positioned itself as a leader in minority rights in Kosovo, working closely with international organisations, government institutions and civil society organisations across all communities. Our work has delivered results which have had a concrete, positive impact on minority communities’ lives:
Supported the decentralisation process from the beginning by conducting and supporting outreach activities, such as government-community member meetings and Municipal Preparation Teams, to explain the process and its consequences on community members.
Set up legal aid clinics that dealt with over 2,500 cases from people in vulnerable and marginalised groups who would have otherwise had difficulty accessing any legal advice.
Trained hundreds of civil servants in the official language that is not their mother tongue in order to meet language rights for access to services and to enhance integration.
Advocated for non-segregated education and increased school registration of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian children.
Promoted participation in elections through a comprehensive, multi-lingual awareness-raising campaign.
Established the first Serb business association in Kosovo to improve the community’s economic prospects.
Carried out essential needs assessments and outreach in Northern Kosovo to municipal teams and NGOs.
Published influential research papers on employment, languages rights, electoral reform, minority institutions, the legal framework and its challenges, and the education of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian children.
Established a body of critical resources for the communities and the government in terms handbooks and guidelines for legal rights, educational improvement, decentralisation and participatory processes.