Non-Serb Minorities Feel Neglected by Kosovo Institutions

Luan Ibraj

16 May 2008

Representatives of non-Serb nongovernmental organizations say, after the meeting held Yesterday, May 15, at the Gracanica`s Media Centre, that non-Serb minorities living in Kosovo are discriminated and are not stimulated to integrate into the Kosovar society.

NGOs from the smaller ethnic groups believe they have been kept in the shadow of the Serb community which, they say, is extended advanced rights, in spite of the fact that they don`t recognize the state of Kosovo and don`t want to integrate.

`The Roma have been marginalized for ages so that they do not feel part of the society. This community is discriminated, which we consider a violation of the basic human rights for any democratic country`, said Bashkim Ibishi, from the Center for International Integration.

According to their representatives from the civil sector, the non-Serb communities are willing and prepared to take part in the Kosovo`s processes, but they have to be given the green light by local institutions, reports RTV 21.

Representatives of these nongovernmental organizations emphasize that institutions should approach these communities with utmost seriousness, to solve their education and employment problems.