The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Mission in Kosovo organised a regional conference on challenges and best practices in implementation of the non-discrimination law.

The head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Jean-Claude Schlumberger said that the enhanced implementation of the anti-discrimination laws is the key in ensuring human rights are respected. “Laws against discrimination exist in all countries of the region, but we are still witnessing segregation and unequal treatment based on sexual orientation, ethnic backgrounds, social status, gender or disability. For this reason, it is vital that we use this conference to work together to find the appropriate steps for the implementation of this law,” Schlumberger said.

During the conference it was said that one of the key reasons for non- reporting of discrimination is the inability of the discriminated person to get legal aid. Serbia still awaits adoption of law on free legal aid, while this law already exists in Kosovo.
According to the reports of international organizations, minorities in Kosovo are the most discriminated, particularly related to the use of the native language, because many laws in Serbian language, which is also the official language in Kosovo, are misspelled or translated.

The Assembly of Kosovo has recently adopted the Law against discrimination, which strengthens the position of discriminated, as well as the position of Ombudsperson.