UNMIK concerned over closure of RFZO and PIO branches in North Mitrovica

The United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) expressed concern over the closure of the Serbian Pension and Disability Insurance Fund (PIO) and the Republic Health Insurance Fund (RFZO) branches in North Mitrovica. UNMIK stressed that all actions carried out without consultations or prior notice to the affected communities have a negative impact on their daily lives.

“UNMIK is concerned about the closure of institutions under Serbian administration in northern Kosovo, including the Pension and Disability Insurance Fund and the Republic Health Insurance Fund,” the Mission stated in a post on the social network X.

It was further noted that many members of non-majority communities, including Serbs, continue to face challenges in obtaining Kosovo identity documents and valid residence permits, which can obstruct their ability to register vehicles and obtain license plates.

“Actions on these issues, undertaken without consultations or prior notice to the affected communities, negatively impact their daily lives and socioeconomic rights, hinder their integration, and restrict access to healthcare and other basic services,” UNMIK warned.

The Mission reiterated its appeal that all outstanding issues be resolved constructively through EU-facilitated dialogue.

On Friday, municipal inspectors in North Mitrovica, assisted by Kosovo Police, entered the branches of the Serbian PIO Fund and RFZO.

Immediately after entering the premises, the Serbian flag was removed from the building, and employees were ordered to leave their workplaces and exit the premises, taking only their personal belongings, which had first been inspected.

Following the closure of the two institutions, the OSCE Mission reacted yesterday, expressing concern and noting that the measure will affect beneficiaries of healthcare services, pension payments, school supplies, and social assistance.

Prior to the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, the EU Office in Pristina also issued a statement, assessing that the Kosovo Police raid on the RFZO and PIO Fund premises represented yet another uncoordinated action of the outgoing Kosovo government, adding that such actions negatively affect the lives of ordinary citizens, primarily Serbs in Kosovo, but also other communities.