UN RIGHTS CHIEF URGES BROAD COOPERATION TO ACHIEVE COMPREHENSIVE SETTLEMENT IN KOSOVO

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From: UNNews <UNNews@un.org>
Date: 20 Jun 2013 18:00:01 -0400
Subject: UN RIGHTS CHIEF URGES BROAD COOPERATION TO ACHIEVE
COMPREHENSIVE SETTLEMENT IN KOSOVO
To: news11@ny-mail-p-lb-028.ptc.un.org

UN RIGHTS CHIEF URGES BROAD COOPERATION TO ACHIEVE COMPREHENSIVE
SETTLEMENT IN KOSOVONew York, Jun 20 2013 6:00PMIn Kosovo today, the
top United Nations human rights official hailed progress in
normalizing relations with Serbia and in carrying out local-level
reform initiatives, but also urged broader cooperation to
comprehensively heal past wounds and pave the way for an inclusive
future.

"Inevitably the effects of conflict, especially of a conflict carried
out largely along ethnic and religious fault lines, are still not
fully resolved," Navi Pillay, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights,
told reporters during a press conference culminating her visit to the
region.

Noting that her visit coincided with World Refugee Day, she said that
it was a heartening reminder of unresolved issues concerning the human
rights of two million people who fled Kosovo in 1998-99, returnees,
internally displaced persons (IDPs), missing persons, and justice and
reparation for victims of conflict-related crimes.

"There needs to be further cooperation, especially with Belgrade, in
order to ensure comprehensive solutions are found for all those
forcibly displaced in the 1990s," she said.

During her visit, Ms. Pillay held meetings with representatives of the
Kosovo executive authorities, judiciary and the Assembly. She also met
with the Ombudsperson and members of civil society, and visited the
Serb-majority municipality of Gracanica and the Balkans Sunflowers
Learning Centre in Kosovo Polje, for children from Roma, Ashkali and
Egyptian communities.

"I am encouraged by the recently concluded Agreement in Brussels and
continuing positive dialogue with Belgrade, which took a further step
forward with Monday's first-ever exchange of liaison officers," she
continued, welcoming that the Agreement also aims to improve the rule
of law and human rights for all in the north of Kosovo.

She said that in her talks she also pointed out some issues of
concern, in particular the proposed plans for the adoption of an
amnesty law and the arrangement of the judiciary along ethnic lines.
"I also urged a stronger focus on human rights concerns in the future
dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade," she added.

On the various reform initiatives underway, including in the judicial
system and public administration, the High Commissioner said that
overall, what she heard from many interlocutors is that a good legal
and institutional framework with regard to human rights is in place.

"As is the case everywhere, a broad, transparent and consultative
approach is vital if good and sustainable results are going to be
achieved," she said, noting that she was impressed by the commitment
and competences of the Ombudsperson Institution, as well as the
vibrant, active and articulate civil society.

At the same time, she emphasized that she had also raised some
specific concerns related to the weaknesses of the rule of law
institutions in Kosovo, including the importance of ensuring the
independence of the judiciary, and addressing lengthy pre-trial
detention, case backlog, lack of trust in the judiciary and the lack
of execution of judicial decisions.

"I have impressed on the authorities here the importance of remedying
poor legislation and discriminatory practices, as well as taking a
tough line against all instances of hate speech," she said, adding:
"In short, there should be no discrimination against anyone because of
who they are or what they do."

Ms. Pillay said that given its history, progress on non-discrimination
and tolerance of all minorities, including Serbs, Roma, Ashkali,
Egyptians, Gorani, and other groups within Kosovo, as well as those
still displaced outside, is an important indicator of how far
society's wounds have healed, and how much more remains to be done.

She was also concerned at attempts by the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA)
War Veterans Association and some MPs to stifle arrests of former KLA
members allegedly implicated in war crimes. "A war crime is a war
crime," she declared, "and anyone who has committed one – whether
friend or foe – must be brought to justice. Justice for one side only
is counter-productive in the long term as a blatant violation of human
rights."

Ms. Pillay called for a sustained and comprehensive effort by all
those involved in improving education, which will be of critical
importance for Kosovo's future generations, and their ability to live,
work, communicate and participate in development together.

"Let us not forget that Kosovo has the youngest population in Europe.
Inclusive education for all children should be given priority," she
said, explaining that human rights education, in particular, will be a
vital part of that effort, and the role of civil society actors and
human rights defenders will be the key to the formation of a
deeply-rooted human rights culture.Jun 20 2013 6:00PM
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