Newsroom
OSCE releases report on property rights in Kosovo
PRISTINA 20 June 2003
PRISTINA, 20 June 2003 - The OSCE Mission in Kosovo has released a new report reviewing property rights in the province.
The review looks in particular at the current misadministration by government authorities in property matters. Examples include the tampering of property records, the expropriation of land by municipal governments, and illegal construction. As a result of suspected abuse of office, municipal officials in the province have been suspended from their posts.
"These issues have a long history and many causes", said Ambassador Pascal Fieschi, the Head of the OSCE Mission. "We do not wish to find out who is to blame, but only to improve the protection of property rights. As the transfer of competencies continues, we look to Kosovo's provisional institutions to take up their responsibilities in the area of property rights."
Ambassdor Fieschi emphasized that the significance of property rights in Kosovo could not be taken lightly as it had an impact on the enjoyment of other rights. Not only did it give individuals and businesses the ability to control and protect their property, it could also help create conditions for sustainable return and the development of Kosovo's economy.
The report assesses Kosovo's property legislation and its implementation by local authorities. It finds that property rights are not fully protected, whether due to inadequacies in the law, circumvention of the law, or inconsistent application of the law at all levels. A number of cases are highlighted to illustrate the impact of the property issues on daily life, including discrimination against Kosovo's smaller communities.
The role of the courts is also addressed in their dealings with property disputes in a situation where an unclear legal framework obstructs the full realization of property rights and the efficient administration of justice.
In addition, the report looks at the progress made by the Housing and Property Directorate (HPD) and the Housing and Property Claims Commission (HPCC), institutions founded to settle property claims and enforce decisions. HPD has also begun delegating responsibilities to municipal authorities, which is a vital step in the hand-over process as local institutions to take more responsibilities over people's daily lives.
Ambassador Fieschi noted that despite the steady improvement, government authorities needed to be more accountable and responsive to provide and effective protection of property rights.
The OSCE Mission in Kosovo, as part of its institution-building mandate, monitors property rights as a key human rights concern in Kosovo. The information in this report is meant to provide the responsible government authorities with the tools to improve the situation and ensure that property rights are secured and protected for all.
The review looks in particular at the current misadministration by government authorities in property matters. Examples include the tampering of property records, the expropriation of land by municipal governments, and illegal construction. As a result of suspected abuse of office, municipal officials in the province have been suspended from their posts.
"These issues have a long history and many causes", said Ambassador Pascal Fieschi, the Head of the OSCE Mission. "We do not wish to find out who is to blame, but only to improve the protection of property rights. As the transfer of competencies continues, we look to Kosovo's provisional institutions to take up their responsibilities in the area of property rights."
Ambassdor Fieschi emphasized that the significance of property rights in Kosovo could not be taken lightly as it had an impact on the enjoyment of other rights. Not only did it give individuals and businesses the ability to control and protect their property, it could also help create conditions for sustainable return and the development of Kosovo's economy.
The report assesses Kosovo's property legislation and its implementation by local authorities. It finds that property rights are not fully protected, whether due to inadequacies in the law, circumvention of the law, or inconsistent application of the law at all levels. A number of cases are highlighted to illustrate the impact of the property issues on daily life, including discrimination against Kosovo's smaller communities.
The role of the courts is also addressed in their dealings with property disputes in a situation where an unclear legal framework obstructs the full realization of property rights and the efficient administration of justice.
In addition, the report looks at the progress made by the Housing and Property Directorate (HPD) and the Housing and Property Claims Commission (HPCC), institutions founded to settle property claims and enforce decisions. HPD has also begun delegating responsibilities to municipal authorities, which is a vital step in the hand-over process as local institutions to take more responsibilities over people's daily lives.
Ambassador Fieschi noted that despite the steady improvement, government authorities needed to be more accountable and responsive to provide and effective protection of property rights.
The OSCE Mission in Kosovo, as part of its institution-building mandate, monitors property rights as a key human rights concern in Kosovo. The information in this report is meant to provide the responsible government authorities with the tools to improve the situation and ensure that property rights are secured and protected for all.