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Kosovo human rights workshop focuses on role of Ombudsperson
PRISTINA 2 March 2001
PRISTINA, 2 March 2001 - A workshop that aimed to inform NGOs on the work of the Ombudsperson Institution has been held in Prishtinë/Pristina. It was organized by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), in conjunction with the Kosovo Ombudsperson Institution. Its objective was to give practical advice in judging how and when a case can be referred to the Ombudsperson Institution.
An important element of OSCE's human rights work is to raise awareness of individual human rights issues. A central part of this work is building the capacity of NGOs to be integral to the process of dealing with cases of human rights violations. The Ombudsperson Institution plays a special role in investigating and mediating complaints from individuals, groups and organizations about human rights violations and possible abuse of power by the authorities.
The workshop was meant to help NGOs to understand in a practical sense how to define human rights violations and abuses of authority. It also was to assist legal aid providers and human rights NGOs on how to guide clients in the right direction. NGOs play an important role in redressing grievances and can better serve their clients if they have an understanding of how domestic and international law could be used as effective remedies.
Representatives of 12 NGOs were presented with cases that could be applied to real life situations in Kosovo. The participants then examined these cases for possible remedies that could be taken and whether clients could be referred to the Ombudsperson Institution. This step-by-step process was necessary to help build the capacity of NGOs to better assist and represent clients seeking effective remedies.
Similar workshops will be held during March in Gjilan/Gnjilane, Prizren, Pejë/Pec and Mitrovicë/Kosovska Mitrovica.
The OSCE is committed to supporting an independent Ombudsperson Institution for Kosovo and developing the skills and performance of both individuals and civil society through training.
For further information, contact the OSCE Spokesperson Claire Trevena Tel: (+381-38) 500-162 x260 / mobile: +377-44-500-150 e-mail: press@omik.org / website: www.osce.org/kosovo
An important element of OSCE's human rights work is to raise awareness of individual human rights issues. A central part of this work is building the capacity of NGOs to be integral to the process of dealing with cases of human rights violations. The Ombudsperson Institution plays a special role in investigating and mediating complaints from individuals, groups and organizations about human rights violations and possible abuse of power by the authorities.
The workshop was meant to help NGOs to understand in a practical sense how to define human rights violations and abuses of authority. It also was to assist legal aid providers and human rights NGOs on how to guide clients in the right direction. NGOs play an important role in redressing grievances and can better serve their clients if they have an understanding of how domestic and international law could be used as effective remedies.
Representatives of 12 NGOs were presented with cases that could be applied to real life situations in Kosovo. The participants then examined these cases for possible remedies that could be taken and whether clients could be referred to the Ombudsperson Institution. This step-by-step process was necessary to help build the capacity of NGOs to better assist and represent clients seeking effective remedies.
Similar workshops will be held during March in Gjilan/Gnjilane, Prizren, Pejë/Pec and Mitrovicë/Kosovska Mitrovica.
The OSCE is committed to supporting an independent Ombudsperson Institution for Kosovo and developing the skills and performance of both individuals and civil society through training.
For further information, contact the OSCE Spokesperson Claire Trevena Tel: (+381-38) 500-162 x260 / mobile: +377-44-500-150 e-mail: press@omik.org / website: www.osce.org/kosovo