OSCE Mission, local and international stakeholders mark progress in discussion on returns to Nerodime e Epërme/Gornje Nerodimlje village
An OSCE Mission-facilitated meeting with representatives of Ferizaj/Uroševac municipality, Nerodime e Epërme/Gornje Nerodimlje village, Kosovo police, EULEX, UNHCR and the Danish Refugee Council on the returns process concluded successfully in Ferizaj/Uroševac on 9 December 2011.
Both Ferizaj/Uroševac municipality and the receiving community in Nerodime e Epërme/Gornje Nerodimlje village acknowledged the right of displaced persons to return.
The returns process to Nerodime e Epërme/Gornje Nerodimlje came to a halt in early November when the receiving Kosovo Albanian community prevented a go-and-see visit by displaced Kosovo Serbs with a protest over war crimes allegations directed at some of the potential returnees.
“The Mission strongly condemns any action that impedes the return process, and continues to support the right of return of all communities to their homes in Kosovo. War crimes allegations should be dealt with through proper investigation, prosecution and adjudication by the appropriate authorities,” said Anna Korula, Senior Human Rights Officer at the OSCE Regional Centre Gjilan/Gnjilane.
At the meeting the Ferizaj/Uroševac municipal leaders expressed its continued commitment to supporting returns to the municipality, and encouraged all parties to move forward through constructive dialogue. Following a positive commitment on the part of the receiving community to the right of return of displaced persons, the municipality facilitated an immediate meeting with the EULEX representative to discuss the legal and administrative procedure for submitting documentation on alleged war crimes.
All actors pledged to remain engaged in the process, and the OSCE will closely monitor subsequent developments and follow up with relevant stakeholders.
The OSCE Mission in Kosovo is mandated with human rights protection and promotion. It advocates for the right to return, or other durable solutions, for displaced persons from Kosovo.