The publication of the report on implementation of the Anti-Discrimination Law took place on the 14th of December 2011 during a conference held in Hotel Sirius, Prishtina and attended by staff of institutions, independent bodies, international organisations and civil society.

The report seeks to promote and inform about the protection the Anti-Discrimination Law offers and contribute concrete examples of anti-discrimination cases from the national and international arena. Additionally, the implementation of the Anti-Discrimination Law is considered.

The conference was opened by Raba Gjoshi – Executive Director of the Youth Initiative for Human Rights – Kosovo whereas the findings of the report were presented by the author Natyra Avdiu before a number of panellists contributed to the conference. The panelists were: Mr. Sami Kurteshi (Ombudsperson of Kosovo), Mr. Tim Cartwright (Head of Council of Europe Office in Prishtina), Mr. Muhamet Brahimi and Mr. Sevdail Kastrati (Legal Advisors, Constitutional Court of Kosovo) and Mr. Habit Hajredini (Director of the Office for Good Governance). The key findings are presented in the executive summary and are clearly portrayed throughout the report.

Youth Initiative for Human Rights was congratulated by Tim Cartwright (Head of Council of Europe Office in Prishtina) for publishing such a report and continuing efforts to ensure that Council of Europe standards relating to anti-discrimination and the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights are upheld. Other panellists including Sami Kurteshi (the Ombudsperson of Kosovo), Muhamet Brahimi and Sevdail Kurteshi (Legal Advisors from the Constitutional Court of Kosovo) and Habit Hajredini (Director of the Office for Good Governance) seconded such congratulations.

During the discussions certain aspects of the report were criticised by institutions, particularly regarding references to the establishment of the Office for Good Governance and the work of the Human Rights Units.

Overall the conference provided a good opportunity to discuss the very important issue of Anti-Discrimination Law in Kosovo and our efforts will continue in keeping institutions to account regarding improvements in the implementation of the Anti-Discrimination Law in Kosovo and effective protection for all citizens.

To download the report, please click HERE.