UN envoy urges accountable management amid Kosovo-Serbia tensions | EUROtoday

Caroline Ziadeh, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), briefed ambassadors within the Security Council on current developments, calling for better cooperation to stabilize the area and safeguard basic freedoms.

She highlighted the scenario in northern Kosovo, the place civil society teams, political figures and residents are more and more frightened concerning the affect of unilateral political strikes which have disrupted their day by day lives.

During a go to in September, native stakeholders instructed her that closures of Belgrade-run Post of Serbia branches and municipal workplaces have restricted entry to important providers, particularly for the Kosovo Serb group.

“These community members further voiced anxiety over indications that the Pristina authorities may attempt to assert control over the Serbia-funded education and health institutions.”

Safeguarding human rights

Ms. Ziadeh additional emphasised that advancing and safeguarding human rights “is at the very core of our mission in Kosovo,” noting a current uptick in civic activism but in addition elevating alarm over arrests associated to freedom of expression and meeting.

The Police Inspectorate of Kosovo is investigating allegations of extreme pressure and mistreatment in police custody, she added, as she instructed that publishing the Inspectorate’s findings may improve transparency and assist rebuild belief in public establishments.

She additionally welcomed current progress made by the Working Group on Missing Persons and continued efforts to satisfy the expectations of households, “whose ongoing grief deeply continues to weigh heavily on the social fabric”.

Kosovo and Serbia dialogue

Ms. Ziadeh additionally addressed current developments within the European Union (EU)-facilitated dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia.

She welcomed the establishing of a working group to ease the entry of sure perishable items and to advance power connectivity, the lifting of restrictions on Serbian items, in addition to 9 key commerce agreements beneath the Central European Free Trade Agreement.

“It is imperative that the current bottlenecks will be expeditiously addressed. This recent progress underscores the potential for deeper work toward regional integration via constructive diplomatic compromises,” she mentioned.

Upcoming elections

With Kosovo approaching a pre-election interval, Ms. Ziadeh urged political leaders to create an surroundings that helps the proper to vote and encourages peaceable participation in public affairs.

Emphasising the necessity for accountable management, she urged the Security Council and worldwide companions to assist Kosovo in fostering dialogue, defending basic rights, and selling lasting stability.

“By working together, we can propel constructive political dialogue, protect fundamental rights and promote a more lasting security and prosperity for all,” she mentioned.