Antonijevic: I expect a proactive approach from Kosovo’s new ombudsperson

Commissioner for the Protection of Equality Milan Antonijevic said that outgoing Kosovo Ombudsperson Naim Qelaj had been willing to help the Serbian community in Kosovo despite political pressure, and expressed hope that the new ombudsperson would continue this mission once elected.

Antonijevic told Kosovo Online that the Kosovo ombudsperson bears great responsibility.

“National and interethnic conflicts have been evident in recent years, and Kosovo society has yet to find answers to all these issues, something the Serbian community feels most acutely. In some cases, we contacted our colleague in Kosovo on issues primarily concerning farms and property, as well as violations of Serbs’ rights, freedom of movement and other matters. He responded appropriately and showed an interest in helping the Serbian community,” Antonijevic said.

As he added, the fact that the ombudsperson had not been ineffective should be appreciated.

“That is why we cooperate in certain regional forums. We are both members of the European Network of Equality Bodies, and he can communicate and use resources through our regional body. It is important to protect the Serbian people in Kosovo, and if the ombudsperson, as an independent institution, can help us do that, I believe we should always make use of that opportunity,” our interviewee said.

Antonijevic stressed that the ombudsperson faces certain political pressures in Kosovo society because he helps the Serbian community, which frequently turns to him for assistance.

He noted that one of the deputy ombudspersons is a Serb, which, he said, shows that Serbs in Kosovo have at least some form of protection for their rights.

Regarding the election of a new ombudsperson, Antonijevic said he expected the person appointed to be proactive, as he believes outgoing ombudsperson Naim Qelaj had been.

“One of the deputies should also come from the Serbian community and receive full support, so that the institution is strong in terms of staffing as well. The pressures it faces are no different from those experienced by any independent institution. The ombudsperson is always under pressure, on the one hand from the public, which expects an independent institution to respond in every case, and on the other from the authorities, which do not like institutions to criticise them. We have seen this in many situations. However, I expect a proactive approach and a willingness to respond, without sweeping any issue under the rug, particularly those concerning the security, rights, social protection and all other forms of protection for Serbs in Kosovo, as well as the issue of the sustainable return of Serbs to Kosovo,” Antonijevic said.

According to him, this must be an issue that Kosovo society addresses, and anyone with experience of or who has held discussions with the Serbian community can help in that regard.