Serbian returnees live, those institutions of the Republic of Serbia are the only ones who provide
employment for Serbian, Gorani and Roma inhabitants.
When we talk about Kosovo’s institutions, positive examples in economic development for
minorities in Kosovo occurred from the beginning of 2010, when new municipalities were
formed, in accordance with the plan for the decentralization of Kosovo. In accordance with this
plan, five new municipalities were formed in Kosovo, one with a predominantly Turkish
population and four with a predominantly Serbian population. With the creation of these
municipalities, minorities that live in those areas are now given the opportunity to govern the
areas where they live. New working positions were opened, thus the effective return of refugees
and IDPs could be organized in a better manner in these areas. Previously, even though work
places had been reserved for members of minority communities at the central and local level, as
well as in the public sector, this multi-ethnic pluralism was not reflected in the situation on the
ground. But now, finally, with decentralization some small positive steps and achievements have
been made. Next to the opening of new work places, these municipalities have funds to help
small businesses and also to use different subventions in order to develop the economy in
minority populated regions, as well as to provide social welfare for those who depend on this sort
of assistance.
Let us hope that this trend of better perspectives for the minority communities in these regions,
involving better representation and better organization for these people, is just the beginning of a
better economic perspective for not only minorities, but for Kosovo society as a whole.
Due to the situation in Kosovo that I just presented, I can only share the view of the Independent
Expert on Minority Issues, Mrs. McDougal, when she said that the recommendations made can
only improve the situation on the ground all around the globe and in the areas where minorities
are facing different ways of exclusion due to their ethnic, racial, religious or linguistic affiliation,
which is different from the majority population. Concerning Kosovo’s diversity, the
recommendations that are in front of us, can only be an encouragement and challenge for the
next new government to prove that Kosovo can be a multicultural and multiethnic society, of
course if there will be a political will for this. The inclusion of the minority population in the
economic life in Kosovo and better perspectives of living for minority communities would not
only benefit these communities, but would also benefit the whole society in Kosovo.
Thank you for your attention.