The OSCE Mission in Kosovo organized today a roundtable discussion with Mayor Shaqir Totaj and representatives of Islamic, Serbian Orthodox, Catholic, Protestant Evangelical, Jewish, and Tarikats communities in Prizen to support the municipality in promoting dialogue and fostering partnerships with religious communities.
Local institutions play an important role in promoting dialogue, respecting the principles of religious neutrality, non-discrimination, and transparency. Today's roundtable provided them with a platform to discuss concerns, find common ground, and jointly address the needs of all communities in Prizren, and follows previous OSCE-facilitated activities aimed at fostering interfaith dialogue at both the local and central levels.
"Freedom of religion or belief is a fundamental human right, and its essence is the understanding that every society is diverse, and that respecting our differences is the only way for us to live together peacefully," said Ambassador Michael Davenport, Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo. "Continuous interfaith dialogue, including through forums like this one today, is vital to promote this human right and reject any kind of intolerance," he added.
Mayor Totaj commended the positive rapport established with various religious communities, reciprocated by acknowledgment from religious representatives who highlighted effective collaboration with the municipality. Both the Mayor and religious leaders valued the OSCE's role in facilitating dialogue and welcomed the organization's suggestion to host similar events in the future.
Regular exchange and co-operation between religious communities contributes to the advancement of freedom of religion or belief and strengthen the basis for peaceful co-existence. The OSCE Mission in Kosovo will continue to advocate for and support local authorities to have an active role in fostering interfaith dialogue and establishing partnership with the religious communities.
