OSCE Mission concerned with human rights situation of Kosovo Croat community in Viti/Vitina
Violations of property rights, a poor socio-economic situation, security concerns and a lack of participation in public affairs are some of the pressing issues affecting the Kosovo Croat community in Viti/Vitina municipality, concludes an OSCE Mission in Kosovo report published on 10 October 2011.
The report assesses the Kosovo Croat community’s access to social assistance, public services, participation in municipal affairs, property rights and security and freedom of movement. The findings of the report are based on Mission’s field monitoring and interviews with community members, local officials and international organizations’ representatives.
“What we see in the report is a worrying picture of a small and elderly community in Viti/Vitina municipality that lives under difficult conditions, is fairly isolated and faces a number of human rights challenges,” said Edward Joseph, the Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission. “I call upon local institutions to provide security and address community needs.”
The report notes that the Kosovo Croat community faces difficulties in accessing adequate health care services and basic utilities such as water and electricity. Protection and access to residents’ arable land is also challenged, while previously abandoned private properties are either illegally occupied or have been looted. The report also highlights a number of security incidents affecting the community and their perceived freedom of movement.
Through a set of recommendations the report calls on Viti/Vitina municipality to reach out to the community, ensure its adequate representation in local community and protection mechanisms, comply with language requirements, provide services on an equitable basis and support those who wish to regularize or claim their properties.
The OSCE Mission in Kosovo is mandated with human rights protection and promotion. The Mission regularly monitors and reports on community rights and freedoms.