The OSCE Mission in Kosovo concluded today its 7th edition of the annual Civil Society Forum, a platform that gathers civil society organizations (CSOs) to address challenges and issues they face and facilitates constructive exchanges amongst them.
Around 80 representatives and activists of civil society organizations from across Kosovo working on a wide-range of areas participated in this year's edition. Together with expert panels, they discussed developments related to youth legal framework, as well as the role of organizations of persons with disabilities and other human rights organizations in monitoring the implementation of UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The discussions also focused on the need for a comprehensive approach toward a stronger role of CSOs in the society.
"A vibrant civic activism at all levels is an essential building block of democracy and social development, and civil society organizations are in the position to hold governmental bodies accountable for their actions," said Ambassador Michael Davenport, Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo. "Furthermore, locally-based organizations - those closest to residents - have the potential to develop new solutions for existing problems, while actively involving local governments and residents," he added.
During discussions, youth organizations and Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports representatives reconfirmed their commitment to the ongoing development of the broader youth framework. With the draft Law on Youth in the Assembly, participants emphasized the need for an open and transparent consultative process for the development of related sub-legal acts, that will start once the Law is adopted. Finally, the Strategy on Youth 2024-2032 and its three-year Action Plan remain key youth policy documents to be finalized, that will provide the framework for the mid- and long-term development of the youth sector. The OSCE Mission in Kosovo remains strongly committed to these processes and to support involved stakeholders.
In addition, Afrim Maliqi, Director of HandiKos, stressed the necessity of a stronger human rights-based approach to the rights of persons with disabilities, in view of the Constitutional amendments that will include the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as directly applicable international instrument in Kosovo.
The OSCE Mission in Kosovo works with civil society organizations as part of its long-lasting commitment to strengthen their contributions to public life, and to enhance their co-operation and coordination with relevant institutions. It organizes the Civil Society Forum annually since 2016.
