A/HRC/37/55/Add.1 85. Education programmes on the cultural heritage of all, including in the curriculum itself, must be increased. While the Special Rapporteur encountered many excellent and committed professionals, she also learned of the need for capacity-building in related fields, and noted the reported lack of a degree-granting university programme in archaeology in Kosovo. Cultural heritage sites in Kosovo of special significance to the Serbian Orthodox Church and Serbs 86. The Special Rapporteur visited several sites of particular significance to the Serbian Orthodox Church and Serbs located in Kosovo. These sites included the Sokolica monastery near Mitrovicë/Mitrovica, the Peć/Peja patriarchate, the Dečani monastery and church, as well as the Gračanica monastery and church. 87. These sites, which have traditionally been gathering places, are no longer easily accessible to Serbs. The current overpoliticization of and lack of human rights-based approach to cultural heritage issues, as well as the ongoing and deep mistrust between many Serbs and Kosovo Albanians, including at official levels, exacerbate this situation. The Special Rapporteur was able to observe the importance for Serbs of visiting such sites, to take part in rituals that are closely connected to them and their attached iconostasis, and to socialize and maintain a sense of belonging. In addition, these living monuments cannot be well preserved without the constant presence of the monks or nuns. The monastic tradition is in itself a form of intangible heritage. It is important to hear and understand the perspective of the Serbian Orthodox Church, which wishes to abide by its responsibility to preserve these monuments. 88. After the events of March 2004, these sites have been given special protection, in particular by KFOR. Except in the case of the Dečani monastery, which remains under the military protection of KFOR, other sites have now been transferred to the jurisdiction of the Kosovo police. Reports from a variety of sources acknowledged the dedication and increased capacity of the Kosovo police with regard to the protection of sites, in particular thanks to its specialized unit for the protection of cultural heritage, which is multi-ethnic in its composition. Due to actions taken at various levels, the number of security incidents involving cultural heritage in Kosovo seems to be on the decline, and there is no longer a need for heavy escorts to accompany Serbs wishing to visit Orthodox sites. These considerable achievements must be acknowledged. 89. However, the Special Rapporteur also received allegations that this information does not entirely reflect the reality, and notes the view of the Government of Serbia that safety remains a serious concern. The Special Rapporteur remains concerned about the reported ongoing threats received and graffiti of a serious nature, and vigilance is critical to avoid any repetition of such incidents. Serbian Orthodox monks and nuns reported to the Special Rapporteur that, in some instances, they still are uncertain about security and are longing to feel welcome and accepted. This involves increased actions in the field of education and awareness-raising and measures to build trust. Any incidents or threats involving this heritage must continue to be condemned publicly and widely by officials, and by diverse religious and cultural leaders, to assure the relevant groups of their safety and to indicate the utter unacceptability of such conduct. Such condemnations reportedly were effective in stopping such acts in the past. 90. Relationships with heritage are syncretic. Sites of specific significance for the Serbian Orthodox Church and Serbs in Kosovo are also important for many other people, including Kosovo Albanians, who sometimes have accessed monasteries or churches to pray or visit. From a human rights perspective, protecting and ensuring full respect for a special relationship between the Serbian Orthodox Church and these sites does not mean that others should not have any access or opportunity to also build a relationship with them. Many within the Serbian Orthodox Church as well as members of other religious or nonreligious groups are eager to ensure more open and free access to these sites. Of course, varying degrees of access and enjoyment may be recognized, taking into consideration the 16