Study reveals: High lack of trust between RAE civil society and local government

Friday, March 4, 2016

Press release

 Pristina February  29,  2016

 Study reveals: High lack of trust between RAE civil society and local government

 Around 50 municipality representatives and Roma, Ashkali, Egyptian (RAE) civil society members of  Peja, Gjakova, Ferizaj, Mitrovica, Fushë-Kosova, Gracanica came together to draf a mutual plan of action. This plan is designed to improve the lives of these communities, particularly strengthening the rights and protection of children.

At the same time, the findings of a study on how the two groups, namely government institutions and civil society see each other's work, was also published. 

The meeting was organized by World Vision and Terre des Hommes Mission in Kosovo. It began at 10:00 in Pristina, the capital of Kosovo, with the participation of Mr. Bajram Kelmendi, Division of Social Services.

Representatives of these communities and six municipalities have already formedCommunity Counseling Groups (CCG). Yesterday's meeting ended with a plan of action of what these groups will do next.

"We agreed that activities for capacity building of civil society and the CCG to indicate and refer children in need and danger, will be essential part of this action plan. It will take place throughout the year. These groups have a key role in voicing the rights of the most vulnerable communities to have the same access to health and social services, employment, etc." , said Alketa Lasku, deputy director of Terre des Hommes Mission in Kosovo.

In addition to this action plan, the findings of a study on Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian civil society capacities and the state of children's rights in these communities were presented to the public. The biggest concerns are child labour and early marriages among minors and lack of jobs for their parents.

One of the main problems reveled by the study with regard to civil society is the lack of trust in local government. This lack of trust is mutual as the latter also reports the same with regard to Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian civil society. "According to the study, 70 per cent of respondents from local governments are not at all satisfied with the transparency of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian civil society. On the other hand, 80 per cent of respondents from these communities show a very low level of satisfaction with the services of local municipal authorities," says Mimoza Gavrani, project manager for World Vision in Kosovo. She explained that a total of 52 people were interviewed, two from each of 26 different civil organizations and institutions in the municipalities of Peja, Gjakova, Ferizaj, Mitrovica, Fushë- Kosova and Gracanica. According to her, the choice lies in strengthening the civil society of these communities, in order for them to learn to speak out and develop appropriate projects to better [support] the lives of children and people.

"Their needs for financial training, including cash management and human resources, are affirmed by 87 per cent of respondents; 80 per cent have expressed the same need for communication skills, including the extent of contacts, project design and management skills to meet European Union requirements. Lack of support from local and central government of Kosovo has been identified as a problem by 68 per cent of respondents, too,” said Gavrani.

The action plan and study presented today are part of the "Fostering Protection of Human Rights and Participation of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian civil society" project, an European Union funded project, managed by the European Commission Office in Kosovo and implemented by World Vision and Terre des Hommes Mission.

 For more information, please contact:  Elda Spaho Bleta

Senior Communications Advocacy Officer

World Vision in Albania & Kosovo

Office Phone: +355 4 22 58 333/4|

Mobile: + 355 68 5015224| Email:
elda_spaho@wvi.org |
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