FOSTERING AN INCLUSIVE AND RESILIENT SECURITY SECTOR IN KOSOVO

With the support of the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) – an initiative of the Government of Canada, Kosovar Centre for Security Studies (KCSS) is implementing the project “Fostering an Inclusive and Resilient Security Sector in Kosovo”.

This project aims to identify the extent to which non-majority communities are included in the security sector, with particular emphasis in Kosovo Police and Kosovo Security Force. The project intents to provide a thorough understanding of the importance of inclusivity in the security sector to its audience, with particular focus on women and youth minority in North Mitrovica region, Gracanica and Shterpca municipalities.

In the framework of this project, on January 22nd, 2020, Kosovar Centre for Security Studies (KCSS) has organized the second advocacy activity in the Municipality of Shterpca. Through this activity, KCSS and its local partners aim to advocate for enhancing the conditions within the institutions and ensure the usage of all rights when exercising its functions. It marks – by far – one of the rare civil society led projects identifying the existing state of play and advocating for better conditions of non-majority communities in both Kosovo Police and Kosovo Security Force.

Part of the discussion panel on this activity were:

● Mr. Ivica Tanasijevic, Deputy Major of the Municipality of Shterpca;

● Mr. Afet Hasani, Member of Municipality Council for Community Safety;

● Mr. Dragan Ivanovic, Commander of Shterpca Police Station;

● Mr. Plator Avdiu, Researcher at KCSS;

● Mr. Veroljub Petronic, Humani Centar Mitrovica

The focus of the discussion of this activity were the latest developments and challenges in developing an inclusive security sector in Kosovo and how can each relevant actor contribute in fostering cooperation between local non-governmental actors and security institutions.

Such activities will contribute in creating a comprehensive advocacy platform for a continual  promotion of inclusiveness in Kosovo institutions.

This activity is funded by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) – an initiative of the Government of Canada.