The European Parliament adopted its annual progress report on Kosovo as a potential candidate to enter the European Union. Among other issues and topics the rights of LGBTI people were assessed by the MEPs with specific recommendations made to improve the living conditions of LGBTI people.
Having placed the rule of law at the core of its enlargement policy the EU has also observed closely the passing on new legislation which further protects the rights of Kosovo’s citizens. In fact the European Parliament welcomed the adoption in May 2015 of the Law on Protection from Discrimination and the mandate given to the Ombudsperson to act as an equality body.
The Parliament expressed concerns about the low level of processing and investigation of cases of hate speech, especially those targeting the LGBTI community and other minority groups. It also encouraged the Advisory and Coordination Group of the Rights of the LGBTI community to follow up actively on such cases and concerns.
The Parliament also welcomed the adoption of the package of human rights laws, which strengthen the institutional set-up for oversight of the protection of, and respect for, human rights; stressed the utmost importance of implementing this legislation; welcomed, particularly, the establishment and appointment of the Ombudsperson, especially with a view to establishing social trust in Kosovar society. The report points out however that that Ombudspersons’ work is hindered by the lack of adequate premises, and calls on the authorities to proceed swiftly to allocate new premises for his office, in accordance with the Paris Principles and calls on the authorities to make fully operational all existing independent institutions and regulatory bodies.
Ulrike Lunacek ME, Co-President of the Intergroup on LGBTI Rights and rapporteur on Kosovo, reacted to the progress made in the country, recognizing the progress on laws and visibility but emphasising that “discrimination and violence continue to make the lives of LGBTI difficult, and threated access to basic freedoms.” She also added that “Leading politicians should show more courage to condemn hatred and prevent abuse”.
Source: http://www.lgbt-ep.eu/?p=6572
Read the Progress Report on Kosovo here.