Minority Rights Protection and Human Rights Policies in ... - IFSH

Minority Rights Protection and Human Rights Policies in Kosovo
Akademisches Netzwerk Südosteuropa/Academic Network South Eastern Europe
Workshop XIII 412-VSb MPS/DAAD WS 2006/2007
November 23.-26, 2006
Location: Prishtina and Prizren (Kosovo)
Protocol written by the German participants of the workshop
General revision by Dr. Patricia Schneider, Hilary Bown and Volker Pabst
Pictures by Naida Mehmedbegović and KFOR Multinational Task Force South
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Minority Rights Protection and Human Rights Policies in Kosovo
The seminar is a part of the long-term IFSH project on building up an academic network in South-Eastern
Europe. The project is supported from funds of the DAAD-support program as a part of the stability
pact for South-Eastern Europe. Participants of the workshop are students of the master course (Master of
Peace and Security Studies in Hamburg/Germany) as well as other participants from South Eastern Europe.
Partners so far are the Universities of Sarajevo, Novi Sad, Rijeka and Prishtina. A new partner will
be the University of Skopje.
The workshop deals with the current political situation in Kosovo as well as the peace building process,
human rights issues, minority rights protection and the problems of coping with the past severe conflict.
Additionally, the network itself fosters peaceful solutions for various regional conflicts by strengthening
tolerance, understanding and communication. To enable the students to get an insight into the problems
and issues in Kosovo, briefings, lectures and discussions shall be held for example at the German liaison
office, by international actors (OSCE, KFOR, UNMIK, European Commission), various ministries,
NGOs, research institutions, and of course at our partner university, the university of Prishtina. Results
from the MPS student’s own researches will be presented as well.
Also, the possibility will be used to bring the partners of the Academic Network South East Europe together
to discuss future common projects, e.g. comparative research in the sector of Human Rights, Security
Sector Reform or in the drafting of regulations for master programs in the field of peace research.
Working language: English
Dr. Patricia Schneider
Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy at the University of Hamburg (IFSH)
Falkenstein 1 22587 Hamburg, Germany
schneider@ifsh.de, www.ifsh.de/zeus
Master program: http://www.ifsh.de/IFSH_english/studium/mps.htm
SEE-Network: www.academicnetwork-see.net
Organizers of the workshop:
Dr. Patricia Schneider Naida Mehmedbegovic Astrit Rexhaj
Afrim Hoti
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Programme of the Workshop
23. - 26.11.2006
Prishtina and Prizren
1st Day (Thursday), 23.11.2006
Time Topic Speakers/Responsible
16.30 Arrival, Accomodation in Hotel „Iliria“ Astrit Rexhaj
18.00 – 21.00 Venue: OSCE Headquarters,
Conference Room, 4th Floor
Briefing from OSCE
Briefing from Agency for European
Integration
Briefing from European Commission
Briefing from German Liaison Office
Briefing from Coordinator for Standards,
Office of the Prime Minister
Afterwards Dinner (not obligatory)
Werner Wnendt, Head of the Mission
Ahmet G. Kasumi, Senior Officer for
EU Assistance
Wolfgang Koeth, Political Advisor
Bernd Kuebart, Legation Councillor
and Deputy Chief
Avni Arifi (not confirmed)
2nd Day (Friday), 24.11.2006
Time Topic Speakers/Responsible
09:00 – 10.30 Venue: Human Rights Center (HRC)
at the University of Prishtina,
Faculty of Law, 1st Floor
10.30 – 11.00 Coffee break
Introduction and greeting
Lecture by the president of the University
Lecture by professor of international relations
11.00 – 13.00 Panel with an international judge from
UNMIK, a human rights officer from OSCE,
a representative for the International Helsinki
Federation (IHF) and Norwegian Helsinki
Committee (NHC), and a member of the
Kosovo assembly
Valon Murati, Director of the HRC
Prof. Enver Hasani, PhD
Prof. Hajredin Kuqi
Valon Murati (moderator)
Norbert Koster, UNMIK
Holger Engelmann, OSCE
Julie Chadbourne, IHF and NHC
Naim Maloku - Member of the
Presidency, Kosovo assembly
13.00 – 15.00 Lunch break in the university cafeteria Afrim Hoti (resp.)
15.00 – 17.30 NGO Panel: Civil Rights Program Kosovo,
Kosovar Institute for Policy Research and
Development, Council for Defense of Human
Rights and Freedoms
17.30 – 18.00 Coffee break
18.00 – 19.30 Group presentation from students from
Hamburg/M.P.S.
Presentation of MA thesis „Governmental
Contributions to Reconciliation in Kosovo“
Presentations from students from Kosovo
HRC (moderator)
Vanessa Massegg – CRPK
Ilir Dugolli – KIPRED
Ibrahim Makolli - CDHRF
Hilary B., Matthias K., Elena
K.,Katharina M.,Volker S. P., Julia W.
and Paulina D.
Ilire Agimi
Dukagjin Leka and Margarita Brovina
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3rd Day (Saturday), 25.11.2006
Time Topic Speakers/Responsible
08.00 – 10.30 Departure from hotel „Iliria“: Travel to KFOR
camp in Prizren
10.30 – 11.00 „Check in“ with a coffee break
11.00 – 11.45 Greeting
Afterwards: „National breefing“
12.00 – 13.00 Lunch
13.00 – 13.30 Tour through the KFOR camp
13.30 – 14.00 Briefing CIMIC COY (Civil-Military
Co-operation Company)
14.15 – 15.15 Bus transfer to Orahovac/Rahovec
15.15 – 17.00 Visit to and briefing on the school project
Sanovac and CIMIC Center Orahovac/
Rahovec
17.00 – 18.00 Transfer to OSCE in Prizren
Brigadier Fröhlich
18.00 – 19.00 Briefing at OSCE in Prizren Virginia Antonini, Senior Human
Rights Officer and Alberto
Pasquero, Legal System Monitor
19.00 – Transfer to Motel Adora in Zrze/ Xërxe
20.00 – 23.00 Farewell dinner and party at motel „Adora“ Afrim Hoti/Ruzhdi Thaqi (resp.)
4th Day (Sunday), 26.11.2006
Time Topic Speakers/Responsible
09.00 – 10.00 Departure from motel „Adora“: Transfer to
„Loyola-Gymnasium“
10.00 – 11.00 Visit to „Loyola-Gymnasium“ Walter Happel
11.00 – 14.00 Bus transfer to Prishtina/Prishtinë
14.00 – 15.00 Arrival at the airport and departure
Accommodation in Prishtina:
Hotel Iliria
Mother Teresa Street
Prishtina
Accommodation in Prizren:
Motel Adora
Xërxe, Zrze (near Prizren)
Manager: Ruzhdi Thaqi
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Thursday, 23 November 2006
Briefings and Discussion at the OSCE Headquarters in Prishtina
minutes taken by Elena Kulipanova
Werner Wnendt, Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo
After having welcomed the group, Ambassador
Werner Wnendt started his speech. He talked about
the necessity of defining the status of Kosovo, the
role of international community and the current role
and future of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo
particularly.
Ambassador Wnendt said it is a very interesting
time for Kosovo and for Western Balkans at whole.
The status of Kosovo should be defined and more
responsibility should be transferred to local
institutions and from UNMIK to international civilian representatives. Much has been done
on the process, but still the UN, the OSCE and other organizations have much work to do. For
example, it is necessary to decide about the division of responsibilities. The transition process
has begun and the proposals of Marti Ahtisaari are expected to be published in late January or
in February. These proposals will go to the Security Council in New York probably in March.
Talking about the international presence in Kosovo, Ambassador Wnendt said that even after
seven years of international presence in Kosovo, responsibilities still remain. It will be a
European process, so the full integration of Western Balkans in the EU should be achieved.
Ambassador Wnendt doesn’t understand the opponents of this idea who argue with too much
enlargement and the failure of adopting the constitution. From his point of view, integration
of the Western Balkans can’t be compared to that of the Eastern Balkans.
The People from Kosovo are confronted with a
tragic history, a lot should be done the ethnicities
can live together. But Ambassador Wnendt is
optimistic about the development in Kosovo and
said that it would proceed peacefully, but the
obstacles could be in current economic and
political development. First of all stability and
security are needed.
Speaking about the OSCE role, Ambassador
Wnendt stressed that OSCE is not working for a
particular state, but for the people and with the aim of creating and strengthening democratic
institutions in Kosovo. OSCE works on increasing the capabilities of the Assembly of Kosovo
and participates in police training. Although OSCE won’t be a part of the European presence
in the future, it will work closely together with the European Union supporting the ongoing
implementation of the standards. Then Ambassador Wnendt had to leave because of another
meeting. He said goodbye to the participants and passed the word to Mr. Rexhaj.
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Avni Arifi, Political Adviser to the Prime Minister of Kosovo
Mr. Rexhaj said that every status will create dangerous outcome. He exemplified Bosnia and
Herzegovina as an example where the peace process was based on Dayton agreement. Some
lessons are also possible for Kosovo: If the status is determined, decisions about the future
also can be made. Mr. Rexhaj stressed that the last open question in Kosovo is the due
handover of Mladic to the ICTY.
After his statement Mr. Rexhaj was asked a question about the strength of international
community considering nationalistic spirit of the government in Belgrade. Mr. Rexhaj said
that Kosovo is a unique case. Russia fears that independence of Kosovo will cause instability
within its borders, but the other members of the Contact Group don’t share this opinion.
International community made clear that any changing of borders won’t be accepted.
The second question was whether OSCE has any strategy if the locals won’t accept the
proposals of the Contact Group. Answering this question, Mr. Rexhaj emphasized that first,
OSCE doesn’t participate in the talks of the Contact Group and, second, the organization
doesn’t have any preferences for outcome. This chapter should be closed, because it is
important for the development of Kosovo and other states. If the result will be an
independency, it would create the situation the Serb minorities don’t agree to. It’s not an
overnight thing in any case. Decisions on Balkan region should also be acceptable for
Kosovo, but joining of Kosovo
to any other part or the status quo
of 1999 won’t be accepted. Mr.
Rexhaj, like Ambassador
Wnendt, is confident that the
solution of the status question
won’t be accompanied by violent
actions. It’s not easy to
implement a policy but strong
regional efforts of all Balkan
countries are hoped for.
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Wolfgang Koeth, Political Advisor at European Commission Liaison Office
After Mr. Rexhaj, Wolfgang Koeth took the floor and opened his view on the future status of
Kosovo. He said that some standards should be implemented before the status is determined,
namely democratic institutions with rule of law should be established. The real rebuilding the
life of the people should be started. Status is very
important for the people also for economic reasons.
There are many opportunities for investment in Kosovo,
so next year the international tender is expected to supply
electricity for the whole region. But foreign investments
are not possible without stability. Mr. Koeth also said
that all the positions should be transferred to the
Kosovars, separation of Kosovo is not acceptable and
that particular solution should be found to the especially
problematic North of Kosovo.
Mr. Koeth was asked a question about the connection between internal development of Serbia
and Kosovo issue. Mr. Koeth is of the opinion that Serbia is going to start the process of
democratization, but it can’t move on with Kosovo. The only group who can bring democracy
to Serbia is Serbs themselves; international community can only render assistance. Kosovo
remote from Serbia will not only help Kosovo, but will be profitable for Serbia itself.
On the question about the meaning of “limited independence” for
Kosovo proposed by Marti Ahtisaari, Mr. Koeth said that Kosovo will
have military and governmental responsibilities, but any kind of full
sovereignty will be excluded.
Further Mr. Koeth spoke about the relations between the EU and
Kosovo. He said that a two-fold approach can be distinguished: 1)
Kosovo treated as a future member of the EU and 2) EU as a part of
international presence after UNMIK is gone. Addressing the first
approach he cited the Article 49 of the EU Treaty stating that any
European State may apply to become a member of the Union.
Therefore all Balkan countries can be considered potential candidates. The problem with
Kosovo is that it is not a state. On the other hand it is not desirable Kosovo being a black hole
in Balkans. Kosovo can be a potential member regardless of status it
will have. Second, in order to become a member of the EU
Copenhagen criteria should be fulfilled. The Balkan states are
working in that direction with support of the Stabilisation and
Association Process, in which also Kosovo is included. The other
problem for Kosovo is that conditions for the fulfillment the
standards are limited since Kosovo is not and will not be sovereign.
The competencies in rule of law are still under the UNMIK
responsibility.
Regarding the second approach Mr. Koeth said that the EU presence
after UNMIK will first of all concentrate on minority protection and
rule of law issues. The presence will only have some limited
executive powers lasting a few years.
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Bernd Kuebart, Legation Councilor and Deputy Chief, German liaison office in Kosovo
The last speaker was Mr. Bernd Kuebart. He started with
a small introduction about himself and about the German
liaison office in Kosovo. The German liaison office is not
a coordinated embassy because Kosovo is not a state. It’s
the second largest liaison office after the UN with a staff
of 72 people. The main tasks of the office are consular,
economic, political and other issues. To give an example
of consular work Mr. Kuebart said that more than 10.000
visas are granted there per year. Germany is a member of
the Contact Group and plays a big role in Kosovo and in its provisional institutions. Mr.
Kuebart said that addressing minority issues is especially important and underlined the role of
KFOR presence for protection of minorities.
On the question about the large Albanian diaspora in Germany and the ability of Kosovo in
tackling this problem, Mr. Kuebart said that Germany indeed has a general problem of
diaspora and gave some statistics. Nearly 300.000 Albanians, 35.000 minority members of
Kosovo (e.g. Roma), 10.000-15.000 Kosovo Albanians live in Germany. About 40.000 people
don’t have a legal status. Mr. Kuebart also stressed that Germany represents the whole
opinion of the Contact Group and doesn’t have any singular opinion on the Kosovo issue.
Friday, 24 November 2006
Speeches and Discussions at the Human Rights Centre at Prishtina University
minutes taken by Polina Dolgikh
Greetings and lectures by University officials
Valon Murati, Director of the Human Rights Centre at Prishtina University
In 2004 Mr. Murati completed the European
Regional Master’s Degree in Democracy and
Human Rights in South Eastern Europe at the
Universities of Sarajevo and Bologna with
the masters thesis: “Poverty and
Development: Possibilities and Obstacles in
Realization of Economic, Social and Cultural
Rights”.
At the beginning of the presentation about the
work of the Centre, Murati gave a welcome
word to the participants of the workshop, then
shortly described the HRC, focusing on its
founders and objectives. It was established by the Senate of the University in July 2000 and is
part of the University. Its establishment was encouraged and supported by the World
University Service of Austria (WUS), with funds from the Austrian Foreign Ministry and the
European Commission. It has received financial support from the Finnish Human Rights
Project as well as the Finnish Foreign Ministry.
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The primary objectives of the Centre are to contribute to and promote the study of human
rights, and to foster the cause of human rights in the region. In order to achieve these goals the
Centre promotes and conducts research activities in the field of human rights at national and
international level, providing advisory services to governmental institutions and nongovernmental
organizations on human rights issues.
Prof. Enver Hasani, President of the University of Prishtina
Hasani holds a Master of Law of the University of Prishtina, also a MA of the University of
Bilkent, department of International Relations and has PhD in the field of International Law
and International Relations. Hasani has been working
at the law department of the University of Pristina in
Kosovo since 1987. He is a professor of International
Law and International Relations, in addition to being a
visiting professor within some of the regional
academic programs run by the local universities in the
Balkans. Currently he is presiding the rectorship.
The president began his speech describing the
university as a very young institution in operation, the
youngest in the region, having partnerships with
different educational institutions in Mexico, Germany
and France. At the moment the University is
experiencing different problems – together with the
need of self-determination (the university is partly
isolated because of the situation in the region), it also
needs rehabilitation and restructing according to the European standards. The financial
situation is also very difficult, as the university has to rely primarily on its foreign partners.
The president also mentioned the problem of educating assistants and minority groups at the
university. The case of teaching Serbians was given particular attention. Today there are no
Serbian students at the university for security reasons. Students of other ethnicities, like Turks
and Bosnians, are represented. While classes are generally taught in Albanian there is only
one exception where Serbian students participate: during the work of summer university.
There is only one program in Bosnian – that is the business studies program. And teaching in
the Serbian language is considered to be a highly political issue.
Speaking about the HRC itself, the president said that it is introduced into the curriculum of
the university through the law department workshops, as well as through the seminars done
by other institutions. Nowadays, the HRC is mostly dealing with projects devoted to
international events.
Prof. Hajredin Kuqi, professor of International Relations,
deputy leader of the Kosovo Democratic Party
Kuqi named human rights in Kosovo a new notion bringing
new possibilities to the region after the Communist regime. At
the same time, he considered the situation with minority groups
in Kosovo to be far from ideal and admitted the gap between
the implementation of human rights and political rights. New
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values were accepted because of international presence in Kosovo, consequently good
conditions were created, but the legal system needs further development. Good environment
for such law under the international standards is needed and the government is trying to create
it with the help of the EU presence.
Speaking about the question of teaching Serbians in the kosovanian educational system Kuqi
accepted that this is a governmental issue, but at the moment the political system of Kosovo
doesn’t allow creating conditions for such interaction, though statesmen express hope the
situation will change. This also concerns the
situation concerning learning foreign languages,
(e.g. Bosnian language for Kosovo-albanians)
since in order to be engaged in government, for
example, one should know all languages of the
region. But at the moment no one has any solution
to this issue, as no one knows how to make it more
interesting for people to learn the local languages.
Panel on Minority Rights Protection and Human Rights Issues in Kosovo, Part 1
Local and International Officials
Minutes taken by Katharina Montens
Norbert Koster, International Judge of UNMIK
Norbert Koster worked for 15 years as a judge in Germany focusing on corruption and
organized crime. In October 2005 he then began his new task in Kosovo as an international
judge for the UNMIK administration.
In his presentation he gave a brief introduction of the main obstacles that the judicial system
in Kosovo is facing. Currently there are thirteen international judges working in Kosovo, ten
of them occupied with criminal cases. They are fully integrated into the judiciary system and
with their local colleagues and support the construction of an independent, impartial and
multi-ethnic local judiciary.
He named three main obstacles that impede the work of the local judges.
First, the judicial system has to deal with about 13.000 cases. This amount of cases far
overburdens available structures and personnel.
The second obstacle concerns the intimidation of judges. The threats they are exposed to lead
to a constant feeling of insecurity and restrained mobility. A lot of them do not risk using
public transport and organize protection or wish to be armed themselves.
The third obstacle, which is a prevalent problem throughout all areas of administration and
society in Kosovo, is corruption. With an income of only 350 to 450 euros per month, Koster
argues, it is very easy to bribe local judges. Consequently, in
many cases it is doubtful if impartiality is guaranteed.
But as Koster explains, intimidation and corruption defeats the
work of judges in other ways. The intimidation of witnesses
makes the establishment of cases very difficult. The problem
with witness statements has its origin on the one hand in the
inability of official institutions to guarantee witness protection
and on the other hand in local society, which is largely based
on family ties. To Koster it seems nearly impossible to protect
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a witness in a small area like Kosovo, without removing him from the country and giving him
a new identity. Additionally, in a strong family system like in Kosovo, not only the witness,
but also his whole family is targeted for intimidation. Consequently, to get a witness to
cooperate, one would have to protect not only the witness, but also his family. The reluctance
of western countries to give asylum to witnesses is therefore counterproductive for crime
prosecution in Kosovo.
The strong family system additionally contributes to difficulties in getting individual
opinions. Witnesses tell their family’s opinion instead.
Koster listed certain measures to strengthen and improve the judicial system in Kosovo. To
strengthen the judges and fight corruption, he claims an increase in salaries makes additional
money less tempting. Nevertheless, this can only be a crucial
starting point and not the only measure. Even more important,
he argues, is the creation of circumstances that promote a
common identity of the judges. They should begin to perceive
themselves as a particular group and to understand that the
foundation of their strength is to never give away their power
to rule.
But Koster points out that a mentality-changing process is not
only important for the members of the judicial system. He claims that the Kosovar people as a
whole must also move away from their strong familial affiliations and change their mentality
that order is established by a family relationship system and executed by self judging. But he
also admits that, considering the history of Kosovo and the constant mistrust of its population
towards official institutions, it is very hard to break the vicious circle of mistrust in a not-yet
functioning judicial system, one which can function only if people put their trust in it and
hand over responsibility to judges and prosecutors.
In the discussion that followed there were two questions
posed concerning the structure and the functioning of the
judicial system. Koster explained that the UNMIK
administration introduced a new judicial system, which
causes difficulties, because it has not yet been adopted.
This situation is accompanied by the fact that the
international judges all stem from different legal systems
and are used to totally different procedures. Due to these
difficulties, Koster concludes, it sometimes is not even
clear of what exactly a court file should consist.
Holger Engelmann, OSCE
Holger Engelmann has gained a lot of working experience in Kosovo. From 1999 untill 2002
he worked as a legal system monitor in Prizren. He then returned to Kosovo at the beginning
of 2005. In his presentation he introduced the work of the OSCE in Kosovo.
The OSCE’s main mission in Kosovo is the monitoring of human rights in the different
regional centers. It is divided in three specialized sections: a legal system monitoring section,
a security issue section (mainly concerned with the police system), and a capacity-building
section.
The OSCE mission is structured in municipal teams consisting of groups of five nationals and
internationals. An exception to that structure is the Prishtina team of 10 members.
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The monitoring is concentrated on five different issues. First, the OSCE staff is concerned
with the language policy. The two official languages in Kosovo are Albanian and Serbian.
English is considered a third additional official language. The focus of OSCE monitoring
teams is the observation of the proper use of languages, especially in areas where minorities
are concerned. They monitor, for example, whether languages are equally used on street signs
and in other public announcements to prohibit discrimination by language.
The second issue is property rights. This is a very controversial issue, as many refugees do not
have access to their land and lack official papers that clarify
their property rights. A lot of violence and bloodshed stems
from property conflicts in Kosovo.
Other important monitoring issues are the development of
infrastructure and the observation of equalitiy in health
care, education and civil services. Both areas are highly
vulnerable to corruption and characterized by little
transparency.
The fifth monitoring issue is the protection of minority
rights. This issue includes all of the above with a special
focus on minorities. It additionaly concentrates on the
promotion of the return of refugees and the maintenance of cultural heritage.
Engelmann described the working mode of the monitoring groups as proactive monitoring.
This is characterized by observation and soft intervention. The monitoring groups are
supposed to work closely together with the municipality and intervene only with soft
measures like recommendations or public reports. A small amount of money is used for
quick-impact projects in capacity-building, training and human rights. Harder interventions
are only possible through cooperation with UNMIK, which exhibit the executive powers to
react to problematic reports of the monitoring teams. As an example,
Engelmann described the possibility of OSCE teams registering
interethnic property sales. UNMIK could react by refusing to sign
these papers of property sale if minorities are threatened through the
sales.
The OSCE mandate does not give any executive rights to the
monitoring teams, providing limitations as well as possiblities.
Engelmann explained that local ownership and sustainable
development are the key elements of their mission. He admitted that
the lack of executive power is sometimes rather frustrating, as there
could be quicker solutions achieved if pressure would be a possible measure; yet he stressed
that the process of change has to grow from within the society. He stated that capacitybuilding
and networking between NGOs and other institutions are the main possibilities for
the OSCE to support improvement in Kosovo’s human rights situation.
In the discussion the question was raised whether Engelmann could identifiy any progress
through the work of the OSCE in Kosovo. He replied that in 1999 the concept of human rights
in Kosovo was completely unknown and that, in comparison, it is now familiar to most of the
administration. In his opinion, progress will increase faster when competencies are handed
over to the local administrations as local ownership will grow even further. The OSCE will
nevertheless remain in Kosovo after the status decision and go on with their monitoring
process.
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Julie Chadbourne, International Helsinki Committee and Norwegian Helsinki Committee
Julie Chadbourne worked for Human Rights Watch
before joining the International Helsinki Committee and
the Norwegian Helsinki Committee. She explained that
by working for these two different organizations, she
gained access to two totally different perspectives.
Working for Human Rights Watch meant taking an
observatory and evaluative role and consequently an
outside perspective, while she is now mainly concerned
with capacity-building, which she describes as an inside
perspective as she is taking part in the process. In her
presentation, she focused mainly on her work with Human Rights Watch and the results of a
study she conducted concerning the riots in March 2004.
She explained that, considering the new structures established by UNMIK, the riots of March
2004 should have been taken care of within a rule-of-law system. The aim of her study was to
investigate in how far that was the case.
She extracted three main results from her research data.
First she stated a lack of oversight. It took her several weeks to
get an overview about the cases. Closely connected to this
deplorable state of affairs was her second result: collaboration
within the judicial system did not function very well. The
different international and local institutions sent her on wild
goose chases, as none felt responsible for the overall
administration of the cases of March 2004. Chadbourne concluded that the lack of
communication between the different courts blocked a proper case management tracking
system.
Finally, she claimed a lack of transparency and information access for the people concerned.
Many of these people, who became victims of the violence and live in marginalized areas,
have never been interviewed. Neither were they accurately informed about their rights or even
about the improvement of the justice system and the rule of law.
Summing up, Chadbourne extracts rather negative results of the management of the riot cases.
Also she claims that an improvement within the institutional structure through an increasing
transfer of ownership becomes a politcal question, as it suggests a gain of further
independence for Kosovar institutions. Thereby a reforming process has additional obstacles
on a political level. In her opinion, the development of a functioning judicial system in
Kosovo does not have to be a political question, but it has turned into one.
Naim Maloku, Member of the Presidency, Kosovo
assembly
Naim Maloku gave a brief introduction of the
measures and structures in the Kosovo Assembly to
ensure minority rights.
Minorities in Kosovo have different possibilities to
influence politics. One is through their vote, another
through the provisions in the procedural assembly.
Of 120 seats within the assembly, 20 are reserved for
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minorities. Ten of these reserved seats are reserved for Serbs, the other 10 for other
minorities. Presently 22 seats in the assembly are held by Serbs, as they won 12 in the
elections and retain the 10 reserved seats. However, all elected Serbian deputies have
boycotted the assembly since 2003, which is, according to Maloku, a very unfortunate
situation as Kosovo’s position would be clearly better if they would attend the assembly.
The Commission on Minority Human Rights is another arrangement to investigate whether
laws interfere with the interests of a minority in a certain community. The head of this
commission must be a Serb. One initiative of the Commission was an arrangement on the
official languages in the province of Manisevo, currently a part of the province of Prizren but
about to separate and become an independent district. In Manisevo, the percentage of Turks is
very high. According to the Constitution, a language can be added to the three official
languages if the percentage of that language group living in the district is higher than 5%.
This would be the case in an independent district of Manisevo. Following the initiative of the
Commission, Turkish was established as the fourth official language in that region.
Maloku concluded that, in his opinion, the constitutional reservation of seats for minorities
will stabilize the situation in Kosovo even in the case it
becomes independent. He considers the inclusion of
minorities by means of positive discrimination a good
measure, but he added that there are voices that consider
the reservation of seats discrimination against the majority
and thus antidemocratic.
In the general discussion, questions were posed to all
speakers. Koster was asked if he knew anything about the
implementation and application of courses on human rights. He replied that 20 courses had
been held, but that a certain amount of caution was needed to prevent the grafting of a foreign
system onto local structures. He stressed that it would be more important to refer first to
domestic laws and then to the international human rights conventions.
One participant asked if there were certain contradictions between the local and the Western
judicial system. There was a general agreement about the danger of imposing a Western
system. Especially considering the influence of traditional and religios systems during the
years in which there was a lot of discrimination from the official judicial system towards the
Albanian population and a lack of local judges that led to self government.
A last question discussed the judicial consequences of bribery in Kosovo. Kostar talked about
a case in which a bribed judge was sentenced to four years in prison. But he also added that
the task of investigations, which was explicitly a task of the international judges, are very
difficult in a culture of silence and that a general lack of consequences does lead to further
bribes.
Panel on Minority Rights Protection and Human Rights Issues in Kosovo, Part 2
NGO Representatives
Minutes taken by Volker Pabst
After lunch in the university cafeteria with a stunning view over Prishtina and a small caffeine
shot in one of the city’s typical coffee bars, the afternoon session in the Human Rights Centre
14

started with the NGO panel. Representatives from three non-governmental institutions gave
us an insight into their work and the challenges they face.
Vanessa Vandegg, Civil Rights Program Kosovo (CRPK)
In 1999, the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) extended to Kosovo its Civil Rights Projects
that were already being run in other parts of the former Yugoslavia. These projects have as
their main objective the protection of the civil rights of internally displaced persons (IDPs)
and refugees by providing free legal assistance, aid and information. The Civil Rights
Program was founded on the initiative of the NRC in 2004, but is now a local NGO in
Kosovar hands. Since 2005, it has been carrying out the activities of the Civil Rights Project
and thus, is the only local NGO working in the field of human rights protection. Vanessa
Vandegg, a trainee with the Civil Rights Program Kosovo, gave an overview of the NGO’s
projects in the context of minority rights protection and the main difficulties the organisation
is facing.
The target groups of the CRPK are IDPs, refugees, returnees and
other vulnerable citizens. A large share of these people are
members of minority groups. By UNHCR numbers, 120000
people in Kosovo belong to a minority group out of which
according to official figures, some 20000 are displaced.
Unofficial estimates are even much higher. Moreover, 85% of
CRPK’s clients are minorities. CRPK assists them with legal
advice when returning and dealing with property and
registration issues.
Complex registration procedures require returnees to provide
documents such as birth certificates, working booklets, property
documents or ID cards to claim their rights. A returnee from Serbia, for instance, has to prove
five years of residency immediately before his/her flight from Kosovo unless forceful
expulsion can be proven. Since among members of minority groups such documents are often
missing, these people face additional obstacles when returning home. Among Roma, for
example, the high rate of home births and a general lack of understanding of the importance
of registration leave some 30 percent of this ethnic group unregistered. Moreover, many birth
register books and archives have been destroyed or relocated to Serbia and the needed
documents are provided only after very lengthy procedures. Implementation standards for
registration that are applied differently and sometimes arbitrarily by the official organs further
complicate the issue. For instance, not all municipalities consider children from Kosovo Serbs
that are born in Serbia as eligible for registration.
Recognising the crucial importance of legal certainty for the
willingness of IDPs/refugees to return home, CRPK is thus
running a project to provide advice and help to facilitate the
process of regaining crucial documents.
Returnees, especially forced returnees who had no time to
prepare their return, are often poorly reintegrated into the
community and live in fear. Outreach of the Civil Rights
Program is thus very important and CRPK works with only
15

one-third of its clients in its Prishtina office. After the March 2004 riots, mobile visits gained
even more importance, and CRPK is now opening a second office in North Mitrovica. In
order to facilitate the return preparations, CRPK is running a project in co-operation with
UNHCR where future returnees are provided with the opportunity to first visit their homes
before coming back.
For the activities of the CRPK, Vandegg identified missing documents and varying
implementation standards by local authorities as the main challenges.
Kosovar Institute for Policy Research and Development (KIPRED)
KIPRED is a think tank founded in 2002 on the initiative of two individuals with the aim to
provide local input on Kosovar politics. Ilir Dugolli, one of the founders of KIPRED and a
senior researcher and trainer for the institute, briefed us on KIPRED’s main activities and
challenges in terms of human rights and minority rights protection, focusing mainly on issues
concerning Albanian-Serb relations in Kosovo.
KIPRED has two pillars of activity: it sponsors policy training sessions for lawmakers in
Kosovo and it is a recognised research institute. Its research
activities are focused on governance and democracy, political
parties, government sector reform and decentralisation.
To understand human rights protection in Kosovo, Dugolli
stressed the importance of the Communist past. In socialist
times, the protection of economic rights was more prominent
and demands for the protection of political rights gained
importance only in the 1990s. Accordingly, awareness for
political rights was rising among common citizens who
started to fight for both political goals such as independence
and for personal, individual rights. Thus, according to
Dugolli, there was a momentum of formulating political and
civil human rights in Kosovo that unfortunately was lost with
the arrival of the international community and administration
with their own human rights agendas.
As main challenges for the human rights discussion in today’s Kosovo, Dugolli identified the
process of constitution making, the discrepancy between nominal participation and de facto
segregation, and the large distrust between the Serb and Albanian populations of Kosovo.
The status question is closely entangled with the constitutionmaking
process which raises the question to what extent the
forthcoming constitution, as well as the laws and governmental
organs, of Kosovo are locally owned or imposed from outside.
Today’s laws are widely considered as illegitimate by the
citizens of Kosovo. This problem is also felt in questions of
identity. What identity shall be chosen by the Kosovars, what
symbols are acceptable to everyone and how could acceptance
be increased among the Serbs who refuse any kind of Kosovar
identity?
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Concerning nominal participation, Dugolli stresses the large discrepancy between the
generous constitutional minority protection regime that attributes seats for representatives of
minority groups in both parliament and government and the reality on the level of common
citizens who live in segregation. Constitutional guarantees do not translate into proper
participation on lower levels.
According to Dugolli, the division between the
two main ethnicities in Kosovo have taken a
structural form that is hard to disentangle.
Moreover, the Serb and Albanian perceptions
of the designed solutions to the problem are
diametrically opposed. Whereas the latter see
minority protection regimes as necessary
sacrifices to gain independence, the former
consider them as one step in a strategy to
reduce Serbian autonomy to a minimum.
After the presentation, Dugolli was asked by OSCE representative Holger Engelmann to
elaborate on what he had said about the international community’s impact on the local
momentum of human rights protection. The international community intervened and still does
so because of human rights violations which an alleged local human rights movement had not
been able to prevent. Dugolli explained that he was referring to the foundations of a local
incentive for human rights protection that got lost and a lack of local ownership for what has
happened in that respect since 1999, but he does not want to be misunderstood as justifying
what has been done by Albanians in a chain of events.
Ibrahim Makolli, Council for Defense of Human Rights and Freedoms (CDHRF)
The CDHRF is the oldest organisation working in the field of human rights protection in
Kosovo. Founded in 1989 with the goal to defend and promote human rights and freedoms, it
investigates and testifies on human rights violations and demands from all that exercise power
to reject the abusing practices and to respect international documents on human rights and
freedoms. CDHRF is a member of the International Federation of Human Rights (IFHR) and
also a member of the Steering Committee of Balkans Human Rights Network (BHRN).
The CDHRF structures its work in four departments: the
Department for Education and Promotion of Human Rights,
the Department for Legal Assistance, the Department for
Monitoring of Elections and Political Processes and the
Department for Monitoring and Documenting of Human
Rights Violations. Moreover, the Council pays special
attention to minority rights in Kosovo and issues periodic
reports. Ibrahim Makolli, the representative of CDHRF,
focused his speech on this aspect of the council’s work, mainly
its wide monitoring activities.
17

The CDHRF was the first local organisation to approach national minorities in Kosovo which
led to the establishment of a committee of cohabitation. It visits displaced persons from
Kosovo in Serbia and Montenegro, and in cooperation with UNHCR, CDHRF was
establishing necessary preconditions for the return of IDPs and refugees while monitoring the
ongoing situation of returnees to Kosovo and advocating for their rights. It offers trainings
and seminars to minority groups in Kosovo to raise awareness on human rights issues and
tries to involve representatives of national minorities in its activities.
It is also monitoring the implementation of the national framework convention on ICCPR,
ECSCR and other relevant instruments of minority rights protection. Moreover, it checks the
legislative process in Kosovo on its compliance with international obligations and has drafted
the law on the use of languages in Kosovo. Makolli also stressed the overall good cooperation
between the CDHRF and ministries and other government agencies working on the issue of
minority rights protection.
After the presentation of the CDHRF’s wide range
of activities in this field, Makolli concluded his
speech with two important remarks.
He stressed that Kosovos administration, strongly
monitored or even run by the international
community, is in full concordance with international
standards of
minority-rights
protection. For instance, national minorities are positively
discriminated by legislation.
Secondly, he wanted to raise awareness on the fact that in
the March events of 2004, not only members of minorites
were killed, but that the majority of those who had suffered
injury were Albanians. Moreover, Makolli stressed that one
cannot assess the March events without referring to what
happened in the war of 1998/99 where 11,000 people were
killed and many Albanian women and girls were raped by Serb forces. The March events
were more of a counter-reaction by the majority group to what had happened previously.
The different foci in the presentations polarised the audience and after Makolli had finished
his briefing, a very engaging panel discussion was held.
A first comment challenged the admissibility of relativising one crime with another one.
Referring to this comment, Makolli stressed the big difference between the 1998/99 crisis
where Serbian state forces committed crimes and the March events of 2004. He said that
Albanians in Kosovo still live with images from the war and that the March events cannot be
assessed without having this in mind. Nevertheless, he stressed that no murder is justifiable,
neither in nor after a war. Engelmann demanded clarification, but no relativization, of what
has been done to and what has been done by the Albanians to assess the events, and he
requestioned the claim that there was a momentum of general, locally-owned awareness of
human rights protection in Kosovo.
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Denis Gratz missed a feeling of compassion for what has happened during the March events
and he asked how we can be sure that such events are not going to happen again. Makolli
once again stressed that nobody is justifying what has happened
and that minorities are not guilty for the events, but that one has to
put things into a perspective. Nexhmedin Spahiu, professor at the
University of Prishtina, added that media coverage of the March
events showed Serbs as the main victims whereas this is only one
part of the story, since most of the victims in the confrontation
with UNMIK were Albanians; Spahiu provided comparative
figures to underline his statement. Of course, Serbs were also
victims, but rather as a result of an outbreak of anarchy than as
main targets. Julie Chadbourne vehemently disagreed and claimed
that as many victims were Serbs as Albanians and asked whether only body counts qualify for
victims. Spahiu answered that he just wanted to rectify the impression one gets reading the
media on the event.
The discussion got very heated and Dugolli stated that everybody who mentions 2004 will
always get 1999. In an emotional statement, Emir Suljagic from Srebrenica, pointed out that
action can never justify reaction and that a murder never happens fully out of the blue. He
warned that the Albanian side is not doing justice to its victims when they justify the human
rights violations in March 2004 with violations that were committed by the other side at an
earlier point in time and he underlined his statement with examples from Bosnian men who
were sentenced in The Hague for what they did to Bosnian Serbs after they had seen what had
happened in Srebrenica. He said he approves the sentence since they had committed a crime
and he urged the Albanian elite to do the same for what has happened in 2004. Dugolli
pointed out that he was speaking about perception, not
justification.
By saying that the international community is the one to
blame, Engelmann managed to calm the heated atmosphere
somewhat. Nevertheless, he agrees that there is a lack of
compassion in Albanian society, but that this is not that
important today.
One of the Albanian students from Mitrovica was surprised that in the whole discussion,
nobody had raised the question about KFOR’s responsibility in the events. Chadbourne
answered that KFOR was badly critised after March 2004 and that they have adapted their
plans and strategies to better meet such challenges in the future.
Since time was up after this last statement, the three panellists were given the usual small
thank-you gift from the German students and the following coffee break was used to continue
discussion of the different viewpoints of the panellists. This session was a most valuable food
for thought event for all the participants.
Panel on Minority Rights Protection and Human Rights Issues in Kosovo, Part 3
Contributions from Kosovar and German Students
Minutes taken by Andrea Sensenschmidt
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Ilire Agime, Kosovar Institue for Policy Research and Development
Ilire holds a M.P.S. Degree from the Institute of Peace Research and Security Studies (IFSH)
in Hamburg and presented the outcomes of her master thesis
(written in Hamburg in summer 2006) with the topic: “A review of
governmental contributions to reconciliation among Albanians and
Serbs in Kosovo”. Ilire first introduced her audience to the
theoretical framework of her master thesis, she therefore referred
to Susan Dwyer and a concept that could be called “Reconciliation
for Realists”. The core aspect of this concept is that the solution of
post-conflict issues by political measures paves way for national
reconciliation. At the mirco-level it means that reconciliation
involves local face-to-face interactions, on a macro-level this
understanding indicates that reconciliation requires the credibility that can be established only
by the politically led implementation of social and economical programs. As a second element
of her theoretical framework Ilire referred to Carlos E. Sluzki and his understanding of
“Stages of Coexistence”. The main element of this concept is the understanding that a postconflict
society goes through various stages of developing relations between estranged
communities until it reaches reconciliation. There are mainly five stages on this way to reach
reconciliation between different communities:
- Coexistence - meaning that estranged communities coexist without violence
- Collaboration - at this stage hostilities are still a fall-back option
- Cooperation - implying joint interests and profit between the communities and a
tremendous decrease of mistrust
- Interdependence - meaning the engagement of joint planning for a common good of
the different communities,
- Integration - this is the last stage, where former enemies are reconciled with each
other and the past.
Ilire made it clear during her presentation that in Kosovo reconciliation needs to be
incorporated as an essential part of the politically led transformation process, one of her
research aims can therefore be characterized as the strive get input for a national
reconciliation process in the adoption of status provisions in Kosovo. Ilire wanted to find out
in how far the efforts Kosovo´s government have invested in improving inter-ethnic relations
contribute to reach reconciliation, she explained the audience, that the Kosovar government
has not yet established a comprehensive strategy for national reconciliation, but that there are
certain efforts to improve the inter-ethnic relations on different levels, such as the “Resolution
for Minorities” or also the “Law on Higher Education”, both introduced by the Office of the
Prime Minister. As main barriers towards reconciliation Ilire defined the lack of the Kosovo-
Serbian’s participation in the politics of the country as well as the unresolved final status of
Kosovo. Her recommendations include the request for the understanding inside the Kosovar
government that there is a clear necessity of a broader process of national reconciliation
strategy (including economy, as well as truth and justice measures), the necessary
incorporation of the Serbian parallel structures (meaning for instance the constitutionally
guaranteed protection of the political will and the personal security of Kosovar Serbs) and the
adoption of policies that promote joint projects involving both communities, the Albanian and
the Serbian, in Kosovo. Ilire finally defined the governmental contribution of the PISG
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towards the improvement of the inter-ethnic relations as having passed the first stage of a
volatile coexistence and lingering before the stage of collaboration.
The discussion after Ilire´s presentation included, among others, the question and
controversial understandings of the concept of reconciliation and the origin of this concept.
Hilary Bown, M.P.S. candidate at the IFSH in Hamburg: Defining minorities
Hilary started the group presentation of the German student group; she talked about defining
minority groups and therefore presented different minorities, native people and ethnic groups
in Europe to the audience. Hilary pointed out that there is no clear definition in any legallybinding
international treaty of what constitutes a minority. But despite controversial
understandings of the term “minority” there are certain agreed factors, which describes a
mainly shared minimum understanding of a minority, including objective and subjective
criteria (formulated partly in Article 27 of the “Covenant on Civil and Political Rights” of the
United Nations (UN) in 1966):
- a stable ethnic, religious or linguistic differences which separated the minorities
significantly from the rest of the population
- a non-dominant position at national and sub-national levels
- a desire by the minority group to preserve cultural identity
- citizenship of and loyalty to the state in which the minority is resident.
Hilary referred to Tove Malloy, who pointed out that often
autochthonous groups became minorities through historical shifts
of boundary lines, rather than through their own movements.
There were groups whose territory was subsumed by another
nation or empire or groups who migrated within the boundaries of
their empire and then found themselves outside their ethnic nation
stated formed upon the collapse of the old empires for example.
She pointed out that in Europe there is mainly minority protection
guaranteed to these “historical minority groups” (Swedes in
Finland or Dans in Germany for example), nevertheless there are
also “new minorities” in nations, such as migrant workers or
refugees for instance. But still constitutionally guaranteed
protection for these new minorities is often neglected or denied. Therefore Francesco
Capotorti, former UN Special Rapporteur of the Sub-Commission on the Prevention of
Discrimination and Protection of Minorities, in his report to the UN in 1991 (“Study on the
rights of persons belonging to ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities”), urges a more
flexible interpretation of what constitutes a minority. His proposal for a broader definition of
the term “minority” is nowadays in generally not as accepted as the mentioned minimalist
criteria, nevertheless a positive development of national minority protection regimes in
Europe during the last decade is recognizable.
Matthias Kock, M.P.S. candidate at the IFSH: “The Right of Self-Determination”
Matthias gave a presentation about “The Right of Self-Determination in International Law”.
He first presented the development of a right of self-determination, before the UN existed and
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then after the foundation of the UN. He emphasized the importance of the “Covenant on Civil
and Political Rights”, which was ratified in 1976 by a huge number of states and therefore
makes the right of self-determination an internationally agreed and binding concept. Secondly
Matthias dealt with the elements of the right of self-determination
and he pointed out, that its legal significance derives from the rule of
customary international law and constitutes a so-called “ius cogens”,
meaning that it is under no disposition of states. Subjects to the right
of self-determination are mainly fixed in “Friendly relations
declarations” between states, peoples, but also nations-states become
more significant in this aspect. The substance of the right of selfdetermination
can be split up in an offensive/ external and a
defensive/ internal interpretation of the right. The offensive
interpretation would mean that there are certain limits to the right of
self-determination set by territorial integrity (guaranteed by Article 2/ 4 of the UN-Charta).
Nevertheless Matthias concluded hat there is always the right to secession, but only as a
“remedy of last resort”. As an example he underlined that the recognition of newly developing
states is de facto the acceptance of the right to secession. The defensive aspect of the right of
self-determination means that there is there is the requirement of a group’s loyalty to a
sovereign state. Nevertheless an ethnic group in a state can claim that their specific group
characteristics (their cultural practices for instance) are protected within the state. Matthias
summed up that in comparison the defensive variation of the right of self-determination
blocks the practice of the offensive interpretation of the right. Further information concerning
this topic can be found for instance in the book of Enver Hasani, president of the „Human
Rights Centre“ at the University of Prishtina (2003): “Self-Determination, Territorial
Integrity and International Stability: The Case of Yugoslavia”.
Katharina Montens, M.P.S. candidate at the IFSH: The Sami
Katharina held a presentation about a specific European minority, the Sami. The Sami are an
indigenous population living in the northernmost areas of
Sweden, Norway, Finland and Russia. Their area of settlement
is also known as “Lapland”. The membership to this group is
often bound to the ability of speaking Sami or of having
ancestors in the last two generations who spoke Sami, so there
is a strong linkage of group membership and the language of
this minority. Katharina gave some background information
about the history, the politics and the language of the Sami,
she concluded, that although there are certain rights, such as
the protection of the Sami culture, guaranteed to the Sami by
the constitution of the countries they live in, and although they do have a considerable
influence on politics of their residence countries through lobby work or their Sami parliament
“Sameting” for example, there remains still discrimination on an economical level, meaning
for instance that there is a high rate of unemployment among the Sami. Katharina raised the
theory, that the peaceful coexistence between the Sami and the majority population in the
above mentioned four countries might as well result from their small number, meaning that
there is no danger or fear of the majority in these four countries about Samis challenging the
titular nation.
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Elena Kulipanova, M.P.S. candidate at the IFSH: Models of accommodation
Elena gave a presentation about “Internal dimension of self-determination, models of
accommodation”. Elena underlined the importance of the right of political participation in the
concept of internal self- determination, because she considers it as essential for the
preservation and promotion of the distinctive identity of a minority and the protection of their
group interest. Elena lectured about the different forms of internal self-determination, for
instance territorial rights like autonomy, decentralization, regionalisation, federalism and
consociationalism. She furthermore gave some information about historical and contemporary
aspects of internal self-determination and she stressed the “Report on Constructive National
Arrangements for Minorities“ by Special Rapporteur Asbjörn Eide of the Sub-Commission on
the Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities in 1993, dealing with possible
ways and means of facilitating the peaceful and constructive solution of problems involving
minorities, as well as the emphasized need for arrangements enabling g minorities to enjoy
effective participation in the decision-making process of a state. Elena presented three
different models of accommodation that have been applied in Western Europe: centralization,
federalism and consociationalism. When speaking about the system of centralization, Elena
gave the example of the Scandinavian countries and the United Kingdom, where the system of
giving concessions to co-nations in various degrees (without changing their constitution as
unitary states) has quite a long tradition. Then Elena referred to Will Kymlicka, who
distinguishes between two models of federalism, the Canadian/ Swiss model and the model of
the United States. While in Canada an “asymmetric federalism” is applied, in Switzerland one
can find a system of “federal consociationalism”. The last system, “consociationalism”, is a
complex model of power-sharing referring to groups that are not territorial defined, Elena
quoted Arend Lijphart and his theories. The model of consociationalism was successfully
applied in the Netherlands between 1917 until 1967.
Polina Dolgikh, M.P.S. candidate at the IFSH: Russian minority in Estonia
Polina gave a presentation about “Social problems of the Russian minority in Estonia”. Polina
talked about the emergence of the problems and the development of the situation in Estonia,
as well as the outcome of the “Integration program” for the Russian speaking minority in
Estonia in 2000. She also talked about changes in the attitude of the titular nation and
controversial future perspectives. Polina pointed out that the roots of
the conflict in Estonia could be located in times before World War II,
among many Estonians the attitude, that Russians in Estonia nowadays
are sometime still regarded as “former occupants” is common, said
Polina. Russians in Estonia often have an alien passport and Polina
mentioned as a main future problem that there is a also a lack of will to
assimilate among some parts of the Russian speaking minority,
combined with some Estonian’s unwillingness and fear to treat the
Russians in Estonia as equal members of their society. As a mean of
integration, Polina mentioned the necessary reduction of the language
barriers between the Russian speaking minority and the titular nation,
and she pointed out, that integration could also maybe reached by
emphasizing the “EU-identity” of Estonia.
23

Volker Pabst, M.P.S. candidate at the IFSH: “Swiss model” of minority protection
Volker talked about the history of Switzerland, the state system and the “Swiss model” of
minority protection. He also mentioned current challenges for the Swiss system. Volker
described Switzerland as an alliance of sovereign cantons; he mentioned additionally that
there is not one “Swiss language”, but four linguistic regions. In Switzerland there are
different levels of heterogeneity, such as territorial,
confessional and, as mentioned already above,
language differences among the population. The
formation of a new Swiss federal state took part in
1848, the strong federalism still ensures nowadays
that the cantons are largely autonomous and that
regional particularities are protected. Concerning
the system of minority protection in Switzerland,
Volker underlined that the cantons do not
correspond to linguistic and religious areas; nevertheless they are the entity of reference for
the minority. In Switzerland there is no official mechanism to protect minority issues in the
cantons, but Volker pointed out that there are some “unofficial” rules of facilitating the allday-life
of the different communities, for instance according to the ability of speaking the
various languages of the country on an official level and an unofficial quota-system in all
national bodies. As another reason for the peaceful coexistence of people in Switzerland,
Volker mentioned the different patterns of identity, for instance the Swiss identity is not
mainly based on language criteria, but group membership and alliances are rather formed
issue-based, on a political level. Volker additionally pointed out that there is also a certain
feeling of pride among the Swiss population about
their reputation as being “multicultural” and there is
also the theory that the economic integration and the
wealth in Switzerland are more attractive to the Swiss
inhabitants than sticking to a certain identity, linked
to language for example. As future problems, Volker
mentioned the integration of foreigners and the
neglection of the emancipation of women in the
integration discussions.
Margarita Brovina, law student at Prishtina university: Minority protection in Kosovo
Margarita lectured about „Minority protection by
legislation in Kosovo“. Margarita presented
international norms and standards that are applied in
Kosovo, she also talked about the “Constitutional
Framework for Provisional Self-Government” and
laws approved by the Assembly of Kosovo.
Furthermore Margarita underlined the importance of
the “Anti-Discrimination Law” in her country and she
compared minority rights in Kosovo and Macedonia. As an important factor for the minority
protection in Kosovo, Magdalena mentioned the “Committee for Community Rights and
Interest for Return” in the Kosovar Assembly, which holds hearings on proposed laws, in
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which it approves, by majority vote, declarations on current draft laws, in order to directly and
adequately address the rights and interest of the community. Concerning the “Constitutional
Framework for Provisional Self-Government”, Magdalena empathized Chapter 3.1 and
Chapter 3.2. as well as Chapter 9.4.1. and their special importance for equal human rights and
fundamental freedoms for all the Kosovar inhabitants. When speaking about the “Anti-
Discrimination Law”, she especially pointed out the importance of the use of languages, also
regulated by law in Kosovo. In the end of her presentation Magdalena concluded that a basic
precondition for the realization of the rights regarding identity protection and promotion for
national minorities is the possibility for members of minority communities to be informed in
their mother tongue, in this regard she emphasized on the importance of minority medias, but
also on having different language programs in state radio and television.
Dukagjin R. Leka, candidate for a Master in International Law and International Relations at
Prishtina University: Linking communities through the sports system of Kosovo
Dukagjin talked about “Linking communities through the sports system of Kosovo”. Dukagjin
lectured about the challenge of getting all members of the different communities in Kosovo
integrated in one national sports system and on establishing multicultural sports institutions
based on international standards. He mentioned
that in accordance with the “Constitutional
Framework for Provisional Self-Government” and
the “Law on Sports” all the sports federations in
Kosovo have to comply with the standard, that in
every executive board of a federation one place is
reserved for a member of the non-Albanian
community. This regulation is, among others, such
as sports competitions among teams with different
ethnic backgrounds for instance, regarded as a
mean of integration and reconciliation, according to Dukagjin. As a good example of
integration efforts he mentioned the Basketball teams of Prishtina and Peja. Dukagjin pointed
out, that the basketball teams recently started to hire foreign coaches and basketball players,
which creates an “international, multicultural atmosphere” inside the teams. As another
example he referred to the basketball team of Mitrovica, the so-called “Bambi”- team, which
consists of mainly Serbian players, but is nevertheless playing successfully in the first league
of Kosovo and is also accepted by the Kosovo-Albanian basketball fans. As an example of a
successful and peaceful competition, Dukagjin mentioned the game between the “Bambi”-
team from Mitrovica and the, mainly Albanian-dominated team “Kastrioti” from Ferizaj.
As a conclusion Dukagjin pointed out that in his opinion, through sports activities integration
and rapprochement of the various communities in Kosovo could be promoted, but that there
should be more support from the international community for these efforts (in the area of
basketball from the “World Basketball Federation” for example). He also emphasized that
ways need to be developed to continue the process of stabilization of the sports structures and
that the possibility for Kosovar sports teams to “access the international sports arena” should
be improved, because he believes both could ultimately contribute to the maintenance of
peace and reconciliation in Kosovo.
25

After his presentation the critical remark was given by Julie Chadbourne, representative for
the “International Helsinki Federation” and the “Norwegian Helsinki Committee for Human
Rights” in Kosovo, that although this “sports approach” of integration is respectable and
supportable, the impression of some peaceful cooperating sports teams should nevertheless
not cover that there are nowadays still huge existing barriers and violent conflicts between the
members of the different communities, mainly the ethnic Albanians and the ethnic Serbs, in
Kosovo.
Saturday, 25 November 2007
Visit at „KFOR Headquarters Multinational Task Force (MNTF) South“
in Prizren
Minutes taken by Matthias Kock
Lieutenant Colonel Joachim Miller, Chief of German Staff
The group was introduced with the mission and main tasks of the
Multi-National Task Force South by Chief of Staff, Lieutenant
Colonel Miller. The main goals of the KFOR commanders are at the
moment the transformation process, civil sector matters, enhanced
cooperation, SASE (safe and secure environment) and the mobility
and flexibility of KFOR operations.
The Multi-National Task Force South staff consists of three leading
nations -- Germany, Switzerland and Austria -- and is responsible
for the southern part of Kosovo, namely the area around Prizren to
the southern border to Albania. The current commander is a German
general, his deputy is Austrian. Until last year Italy and Germany
were responsible for the whole southern area of Kosovo but it was
split due to practical reasons. The area of responsibility (AOR) of the MNTF S is again split
up into six municipalities: Maliseva, Orakovac, Buvareka, Prizren, Manusa and Dragash. A
Turkish batallion is responsible for all northern municipalities, a German batallion for the
central region, and the southern municipalities by an Austrian batallion. The overall
population in the AOR of the MNTF S is about 155.000 in over 234 towns and villages.
Some 1,400 Soldiers are currently living in the Prizren field camp.
They come from several nations, such as Germany, Austria,
Switzerland, Turkey and Georgia. The camp is equipped to serve the
material needs of the soldiers and also to provide social welfare and
cultural goods. A field
camp is very costly. The
laundry for example costs
about 125,000 € per
month and personal costs
(kraft services) are at
about 165,000 €. The
field camp has a hospital
which will be handed over to the municipality of
Prizren when KFOR pulls out of Kosovo. The
26

town of Prizren has a population of about 40,000. Ethnic differences are still problematic.
Hence, there are only 268 Serbs living among 22,620 Bosnians, 13,770 Turks and 3,985
Roma. Resettlement efforts have been only slightly successful so far: in six years there were
only some 2000 people resettled. There was one incident directly linked to these efforts in the
last two months, a non-violent demonstration.
The operations conducted by the MNTF S are mainly: securing special areas, road-checks,
evacuation and presence (so-called „show our force“). A new step for a more peaceful
appearance of KFOR is the LMT (Liaison Monitoring Team). It was developed by the current
KFOR-Commander in Prishtina. The LMT's task is to avoid the pressure of the permanent
presence of military units. They are not working with a lot of manpower or armored vehicles.
These LMTs shall “feel the pulse of Kosovo“ and check the political, economic and social
pressure through communication. They are thought to function as an early warning system.
Another important sector of multinational work in Kosovo is the Civil-Military Cooperation
Company. The CIMIC Coy was first considered less important but developed meanwhile into
one of the main interfaces the relationship between civil society and the military. The mission
of the CIMIC Coy is constructing and reconstructing, humanitarian aid, structural
development and reconnaissance.
They work together with all kinds
of GOs, IOs and NGOs.
Throughout Kosovo there are local
CIMIC offices, run by soldiers to
help the civilians. One of the main
projects in the Prizren area is an
outdoor facility school. The project
is financed by the German Foreign
Ministry with 28,000 €. It started in
November 2005; the handover took
place in November 2006.
Another institution among German soldiers is called „Lachen
Helfen“ (help laughing). The soldiers collect all kinds of things in Germany (clothing, toys,
tools, etc.), transport them to Kosovo and distribute them among the civilians. Every year they
have several trucks of goods coming from Germany.
Lieutenant Colonel Miller stated that he likes his job and the fact that through it he is
contributing every day a little bit to peace and to the idea that Kosovo is becoming a place
worth living in.
In the discussion, Lieutenant Colonel Miller was first asked
how the sectors had been distributed and if the southern
sector was the most dangerous part. His answer was that in
the beginning there was no real plan for sharing or
distributing the parts of the KFOR AORs. It was something
like a multinational burden sharing. Only the Turkish
contingent claimed control of a mission in the town of
Dragash. The most dangerous part of the KFOR AOR is,
according to Miller, the Mitrovica area. Another question
27

aised the tensions between the populations of the different ethnicities. Miller answered that
there is a totally different structure now than before the war. This leads to tension, but all
leaders are speaking to the KFOR Command on a weekly basis. Facing the enormous
problems in the area of Mitrovica, KFOR deployed an operational reserve force with 600
soldiers. The incident in March 2004 also left many questioning if KFOR is able and willing
to interfere if riots broke out or a real threat occured, especially in the aftermath of the status
negotiations in 2007. Lieutenant Colonel Miller pointed out that the German batallion did not
move because there was no mandate given by the Italian general, who was in charge when the
March riots broke out. But still KFOR and the MNTF S improved their readiness, worked out
new Rules of Engagement and received new non-lethal weapons. Any uprising in the future
can be countered with good equipment, good structures and skilled soldiers. The uncertainty
over the status of Kosovo is a reason for the worsening of the situation.
General Hans-Joachim Fröhlich, Commander MNTF South
The Commander of the MNTF S General Fröhlich took some time to
answer some questions though his schedule was packed. He has been
the Commander of MNTF S for 40 days. The question of how long
the foreign troops will have stay in Kosovo was answered by pointing
at the process of what was going on in Kosovo at the moment. The
next step is the decision over the status question, after which a new
process of development will start, the general said. The interest of a
stable Kosovo is a German and an European interest, therefore the
troops will stay as long as it is necessary. Being asked if there is a
tendency for a new war in Kosovo after the status solution, the general
just announced that KFOR is ready to face every threat – if necessary
with the use of force. Another question stressed the relationship
between the civilians and the military. This relationship is a very good one, according to the
general, but the biggest threat is the organized crime. The concern of the Bundeswehr's
capability for all out-of-area missions in the future was not shared by the general. By 2010 the
Bundeswehr will be able to match all challenges that a modern army is facing – worldwide.
Field trip with KFOR to Orahovac and Sanovac
Minutes taken by Hilary Bown
General Fröhlich made it very clear that in his
opinion Kosovo is on the way to developing into
a region that is able to provide a hopeful future
for its youth. However, the current status is calm
but not stable.
After a short photography session, the group was divided into various vehicles to take turns
visiting the regional projects of the CIMIC COY (CIvil-MIlitary Cooperation COmpanY).
Each group visited both the small office in Orahovac and the elementary school in Sanovac.
28

Captain Rauer, CIMIC Coy Orahovac
Captain Rauer welcomed the group in Orahovac. He heads an office of two soldiers and two
translators, performing both small and large tasks to assist the local community. Rauer
described their four fields of action: first and foremost, protection; second, monitoring of
local conditions and attitudes; third, central processing of all applications for assistance; and
fourth, supporting the local population with summer and winter care packages.
Rauer stated that the area of Orahovac is a potential faultline between
the Albanian and Serbian populations, with special attention paid to the
Serb enclave of Velica Hoca. Orahovac contains 34 municipalities and
74,000 residents, of which 1400 (2%) are Serbs (850 in Velica Hoca
alone) and 850 are Roma. The area has a staggering 75%
unemployment rate. For this reason, projects sponsored by the CIMIC
COY have involved general education and job training efforts, as well as
the distribution of donated food, goods, and clothing. The office
coordinated hundreds of soldiers in 2001, building homes and streets.
Today, the office supports individual building projects by application,
ranging from €25-500. Rauer and his associates visit
the applicants, getting to know them, their homes, and their
neighbourhoods to ensure that money is going to the most needy
individuals.
Rauer told the story of an older gentleman who received a pair of shoes
during a clothing distribution. He thanked the soldiers, stating that he’d
only had two good pairs of shoes in his life: those he received from the
army, and now those he’d gotten from KFOR.
The summer and winter care package program is supported with €20,000 annually. Families
receive a basic assortment of food and personal hygiene items assembled and distributed by
CIMIC COY worth around €20. If eligible, they may receive two such care packages per
year.
Captain Schneider, school project Sanovac
Captain Schneider welcomed the group in Sanovac. The elementary school in this entirely
Albanian area was finished in 2005 for €150,000. Sports fields have been started and are
budgeted for €28,000. The school currently serves 140 students. Schneider added that the area
was selected because of its high level of civic cooperation.
As the sun set behind the mountains and the fog began to rise, the separate groups reconvened
in Prizren at the OSCE offices for the final briefing of the day.
Briefing at OSCE Prizren
Minutes taken by Hilary Bown
29

Virginia Antonini, OSCE Acting Human Rights Officer in Prizren
After a short introduction of the members of the group, Mrs.
Antonini described the organization’s hierarchy. Kosovo is
divided into five regional centers. The organization’s director
is responsible for two senior officers: one for democratization,
one for human rights and rule of law. These officers oversee
the seven municipal teams, who work directly with Kosovar
municipalities in areas such as financial management,
language policy, outreach and transparency, fair-share
employment, housing and property rights, non-discrimination,
and legislative bodies and committees. The organization has
worked specifically on capacity building in municipalities, and has supported their efforts to
purchase Bosnian books for libraries and rebuild churches and monasteries. Finally, the
OSCE has also been active in the highly-politicized forced returns to the Prizren and Dragas
regions. Since March 2004, this returnee process has slowed dramatically.
The OSCE mission is one of proactive monitoring; they have no executive power to correct
abuses they observe or report.
Alberto Pasquero, OSCE Prizren
Mr. Pasquero reported to the group on the OSCE’s
monitoring of the Kosovar legal system. This mission
began in September 1999. The organization monitors
courts and tribunals for compliance with both domestic
and international human rights standards and
recommends sustainable solutions to meet those
standards. The OSCE has been granted full access to
court proceedings, investigations, and case files of national and international civil and
criminal cases. The monitors may examine any of the stages of the legal process: from
criminal event to investigation to follow-up investigation to indictment, trial, and appeal.
The monitors produce spot, monthly, and annual reports
for both criminal and civil proceedings. In criminal cases,
the organization has been focusing on war crimes, witness
protection, organized crime and human trafficking; in civil,
property disputes and domestic violence. Priorities
common to both civil and criminal proceedings include a
focus on minorities and intimidation of witnesses.
The monitors work under the two key principles of confidentiality and non-interference.
Pasquero underlined non-interference as a seminal element in the organization’s respect for
the independence of the judiciary, while recognizing that this might allow reported abuses to
go uncorrected. This non-interference was openly criticized by some members of the group.
30

Following this briefing, the group boarded buses to the hotel and didn’t let the thick fog
outside ruin the atmosphere at the seminar’s final banquet.
Sunday, 26 November 2006
Visit to Loyola Gymnasium in Prizren
Minutes taken by Katharina Montens
Walter Happel, Director of Loyola Gymnasium
Walter Happel welcomed us on the campus of his German Gymnasium, which he established
with the help of the German church in Prizren, in the middle of a Muslim society. During his
presentation, he led us through the school, introducing its concept and working mode.
His basic idea was to build a school that
served the people of the countryside as well
as to establish a possibility for girls to gain
a higher education in rural areas in Kosovo.
With the support of the Catholic Renovabis
Foundation, he set up a new organization
especially for the
construction of the
gymnasium: the
Foundation Loyola
Gymnasium. In
2003, he travelled to Kosovo to begin with preparations and chose
Prizren for its history of peaceful coexistence of Muslims and
Catholics. Two years later, in September 2005, Loyola Gymnasium
was inaugurated as a boarding school Gymnasium.
The school is based on the system of a German Gymnasium, starting
from grade five and finishing at grade 12 or 13 with a German Abitur.
Even with the basis of a German system, the school curriculum
follows the Kosovo curriculum and uses Kosovar school books. Happel explained that it
includes an additional five hours of Latin, as this is the origin of the Albanian language, and
five hours of German, to make a connection to Germany and Europe through language skills.
Students thus receive a DSD German language diploma when finishing school.
The school is, according to Happel, perceived as a German Catholic school, even if teachers
and students are majority Muslim. The percentage of Christians is with 15% very high for a
Kosovar institution and Happel considers the support of the Christian minority in Kosovo one
of the missions of his school.
There are no Serbian children or teachers at the school. Happel explained this situation as a
result of the influence of hardliners and an unwillingness to integrate. Despite an information
campaign in Serbian areas in Kosovo, there was not one application from Serbian children or
teachers.
Students pay a monthly fee of 60 euros for the school plus 150 euros boarding costs. The
question arose whether this is not a big amount of money for the local conditions. Happel
admitted that this was the case, but that the money charged was only enough to pay the
salaries for the teachers. Originally an agreement was made with the provisional government
that the Foundation Loyola Gymnasium would pay for the school and the boarding costs of
31

the students and the government would pay the salaries for the teachers. The provisional
government has yet to fulfill this concession.
According to Happel, one third of the students receive scholarships. He explained that there
are no full scholarships paid, because children would cost something at home as well, and he
wishes to avoid the feeling that what does not cost anything is not worth anything.
The school is connected to a convent and nuns work among the school personnel. According
to Happel, this serves as a trust-building factor for the parents who board their children.
The reduction of prejudices, the support of cooperation and the approximation between
different cultures and religions are additional goals of the school. As an example, he described
a visit of Macedonian students to Loyola Gymnasium, which was a success. Nevertheless, it
is, in his opinion, difficult for the students to overcome their prejudices considering what they
have experienced and seen throughout their lives.
Short stop at Swiss/Austrian KFOR Camp in Dulje
Minutes taken by Hilary Bown
Captain Aschauer
With a small
change of plans,
the group made a
stop at Man BN
Dulje – better
known as
Casablanca, the
Swiss and Austrian
KFOR Camp.
Group Captain Aschauer gave a short presentation on
the camp and on the area they serve. The Austrian
contingent is nearly 600, employing an additional 90 local civilians. They monitor the hot
spots in Malishevo, Musutiste, Velica Hoca, and Orahovac. Unlike the Germans, these
soldiers stay for six-month tours and can prolong their stay up to five years. Troops are
rotated within the region every three days. The highest risks for soldiers are local traffic
accidents and scouting or spying missions; information collection is considered a mediumrisk
activity. Aschauer described the area as calm, but not stable.
The group then broke for lunch, finally able to decide for themselves whether the Austrian
cafeteria deserved the high praise it received from the German soldiers (opinions were mixed,
though points were garnered simply for having kangaroo on offer). Finally, our KFOR hosts
delivered us safely to the Prishtina airport, bus station and city centre, from where we each
headed homeward.
32

Finally the group would like to thank the DAAD for the funds facilitating that excursion,
KFOR (especially Holger Judt), the German representation (Julia Nietsch), Astrit Rexhaj from
the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Afrim Hoti (University of Prishtina), Michael
Frahm (OSCE), and Naida Mehmedbegović and Dr. Patricia Schneider (IFSH) for the
organisation.
33

List of Participants for the Workshop „Minority rights protection
and human rights policies in Kosovo“ from 23rd to 26th of
November 2006, Prishtina and Prizren
Agimi, Ilire
Nationality Albanian
Academic background Master of Peace and Security
Studies at the University of Hamburg
Currently doing/Special interests Working as a
researcher for Kosovar Institute for Policy Research and
Development - KIPRED
Avdiu, Bekim
Nationality Kosovar
Academic background Postgraduate student at the Faculty
of Law, Department of International Law
Currently doing/Special interests To inform myself and
gain experiences from my colleagues from the region and
broader; to share experiences and contribute in the future on the
issues of human rights, especially protection of minority rights
Bajramovic, Zlatan
Nationality Bosnian
Academic background Master of Peace and Security
Studies at the University of Hamburg
Currently doing/Special interests Assistant at the
Faculty of Political Sciences at the University of Sarajevo
34

Bec Neumann, Janja, Prof. PhD
Nationality German
Academic background PhD in Sociology, University of
Zagreb, Faculty of Philosophy, Department of Sociology
Currently doing/Special interests Teaching in
MA gender studies in Center for Interdisciplinary postgraduate
studies, Sarajevo; Writing a book „War crimes,
genocide,memories: I want to understand“; www.war-crimesgenocide-memories.org
Bown, Hillary
Nationality US-American
Academic background Master in European Studies at
the Europe University Viadrina
Currently doing/Special interests Master of Peace
and Security Studies at the University of Hamburg
Brati, Shaban
Nationality Kosovar
Academic background Political Science and Public
Administration at the University of Prishtina
Currently doing/Special interests Studying at the
University of Prishtina
35

Brovina, Margarita
Nationality Kosovar
Academic background Attending the last year of the Law
Faculty at the University of Prishtina
Currently doing/Special interests Law, Human Rights,
Research Activities etc
Chadbourne, Julie
Nationality US-American
Academic background U.S.-trained lawyer, with an LL.M. in
international law, focus on human rights and constitutionalism
Currently doing/Special interests Representative for the
International Helsinki Federation and Norwegian Helsinki
Committee for Human Rights in Kosovo
Dolgikh, Polina
Nationality Russian
Academic background Diplom philologist at the Pedagogical
University of Omsk
Currently doing/Special interests Master of Peace and
Security Studies at the University of Hamburg / questions of
cultural differences, conflict research
36

Engelmann, Holger
Nationality German
Academic background 1st State Exam in Law – University of
Bayreuth, Germany/2nd State Exam in Law in Berlin, Germany
Currently doing/Special interests Senior Human Rights
Officer in OSCE Regional Center Prishtinë/Priština, Kosovo
Goegele, Hannes
Nationality Italian
Academic background Master‘s Degree in Ethnic Minority
Media Law; Post university course Conflict Resolution / Peace
Journalism
Currently doing/Special interests Human Rights Officer in
Kosovo (OSCE)
Gratz, Dennis
Nationality Bosnian
Academic background European Regional Master in
Democracy and Human Rights in South East Europe Regional,
University of Sarajevo and Bologna
Currently doing/Special interests Finishing his PhD
Studies at the University of Hamburg; Lawyer in Sarajevo;
Novelist
37

Hadzic, Ermin
Nationality Bosnian
Academic background Master of Peace and Security Studies
at the University of Hamburg
Currently doing/Special interests Scientific assistant in the
sector of geographical information systems in BH Telecom, Bihac
Hemphill, Stephen R.
Nationality US-American
Academic background Juris Doctor - University of Missouri-
Kansas City, USA
Currently doing/Special interests Human Rights Adviser/
Security Issues Section for the OSCE in Kosovo
Hoti, Afrim
Nationality Kosovar
Academic background European Regional Master in
Democracy and Human Rights in South East Europe, University of
Sarajevo and Bologna
Currently doing/Special interests Legal Adviser in the
Special Chamber of the Kosovo Supreme Court; Teaching
assistant in the Department of Political Sciences, University of
Prishtina
38

Ivkovic, Marko
Nationality Montenegrian
Academic background Master of Peace and Security
Studies at the University of Hamburg
Currently doing/Special interests Member of staff of
“Legal Aid Center” in Podgorica, Montenegro
Joppe, Kirsten
Nationality German
Academic background Master of Peace and Security
Studies at the University of Hamburg
Currently doing/Special interests Human Rights Officer
at the OSCE Regional Office in Prishtina
Kelmendi, Driton
Nationality Kosovar
Academic background Graduated in High Economic
School in Peja/Pec (University of Prishtina)
Currently doing/Special interests Assistant Legal Officer
in Security Issues Section in Regional Center Prishtina (OSCE)
39

Kock, Matthias
Nationality German
Academic background Dipl. Lawyer at the Humboldt University
of Berlin
Currently doing/Special interests Master of Peace and
Security Studies at the University of Hamburg/ international law,
human rights
Konjufca, Glauk
Nationality Kosovar
Academic background Student of Philosophy at the University
of Prishtina, last year
Currently doing/Special interests Law, Human Rights,
Research Activities, Philosophy
Krasniqi, Murat
Nationality Kosovar
Academic background Postgraduate student at the Faculty of
Law, University of Prishtina
Currently doing/Special interests Gaining information and
experiences from colleagues from the region and broader; to share
experiences and contribute in the future on the issues of minority
protection
40

Kulipanowa, Elena
Nationality Kazakhstan
Academic background Master in Intercultural
Communication and European Studies at the University of
applied sciences in Fulda
Currently doing/Special interests Master of Peace and
Security Studies at the University of Hamburg / international
relations, foreign policy of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Leka, Dukagjin R.
Nationality Kosovar
Academic background University of Prishtina, Faculty of
Law; Graduated in 2004 as a lawyer
Currently doing/Special interests Master Degree in
International Law and International Relations
Massegg, Vanessa
Nationality Austrian
Academic background Master in Human Rights and Refugee
Studies at the City University of London
Currently doing/Special interests Working for the NGO
„Civil Rights Programm Kosovo“
41

Mehmedbegovic, Naida
Nationality Bosnian
Academic background Master of Peace and Security
Studies at the University of Hamburg
Currently doing/Special interests PhD Candidate at
the University of Hamburg / Trainer for intercultural trainings at
the University of Hamburg
Montens, Katharina
Nationality German
Academic background Dipl. psychologist at the Freie
Universität Berlin
Currently doing/Special interests Master of Peace and
Security Studies at the University of Hamburg / qualitative and
quantitative social research; diagnosis and treatment of
psychic disorders in various cultural contexts; media
psychology
Moreno, Andres
Nationality Spanish
Academic background Master of Sciences in International
Co-operation and Management of Development Projects at the
University of Màlaga
Currently doing/Special interests Human Rights
Officer at OSCE Kosovo
42

Neziri, Jeton
Nationality Macedonian
Academic background graduated at Southeastern European
University in Tetovo and studied business administration
Currently doing/Special interests Gaining knowledge and
experience; exchange with internationals; European politics
Pabst, Volker Simon
Nationality German
Academic background Lic. Rel. International at the University
of Geneva
Currently doing/Special interests Master of Peace and
Security Studies at the University of Hamburg / Geo- and Security
Policy of the postsowiet region
Pushkolli, Rrezarta
Nationality Kosovar
Academic background Student of the Law Faculty at the
University of Prishtina
Currently doing/Special interests Field of International law
43

Rexhaj, Astrit
Nationality Kosovar
Academic background German language and literature at the
University of Prishtina; Albanian Diplomatic Academy
Currently doing/Special interests Coordinator of the
working group for the implementation of standards (Governmental
level); Head of Section for Networking and Information at the Ministry
of Culture, Youth and Sports, Office for European Integration
Sagonjeva, Vedat
Nationality Kosovar
Academic background Bachelor Degree in Political Science
Currently doing/Special interests Sharing academic and
practical knowledge in relation to human rights and minority rights
protection and obtain information about master programs in this field
Schneider, Patricia, PhD
Nationality German
Academic background PhD in international relations /
international law
Currently doing/Special interests Academic coordinator of
the postgraduate Master’s program „Peace and Security Studies“,
manager of the „Academic Network South East Europe“; editor of
the security-political journal „S+F. Sicherheit und Frieden - Security
and Peace“
44

Seferi, Mentor
Nationality Kosovar
Academic background Graduated in the University of Prishtina,
Faculty of Law
Currently doing/Special interests Post-graduate studies
Sejdinovic, Nedim
Nationality Undecided
Academic background Studied jugoslav literature and
serbo-croat language in the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Novi
Sad
Currently doing/Special interests Secretary general of the
Independent Journalists‘ Association of Vojvodina; writer/journalist
Sensenschmidt, Andrea
Nationality German
Academic background Law studies, Psychology and
Pedagogy at the University of Bielefeld; Social psychology and
educational science studies at the Ruhr-University of Bochum
Currently doing/Special interests Master of Peace and
Conflict Research at the Philipps University of Marburg
45

Simeonova Arabadjieva, Gergana
Nationality Bulgarian
Academic background Master of Laws from Sofia University;
LL.M. in International and Comparative Law from The George
Washington Law School.
Currently doing/Special interests Human Rights Officer for
OSCE in Kosovo
Sokolowska, Patrycja
Nationality Polish
Academic background Master of Peace and Security Studies
at the University of Hamburg
Currently doing/Special interests PhD candidate at the
University of Wroclaw, Poland; Researcher at the Private University
of Lower Silesia of the Association for the Advancement of
Education in Wroclaw
Spahiu, Nexhmedin, Prof. Phd
Nationality Kosovar
Academic background MSc and PhD in Mathematics
MA in Political Science (from CEU, Budapest)
Currently doing/Special interests Professor of „Politics of
the Balkan Countries“ at the University of Prishtina; General Director
of RTV Mitrovica; since October 2006 guest lecturer at IFSH,
Hamburg
46

Suljagic, Emir
Nationality Bosnian
Academic background European Regional Master in Democracy
and Human Rights in South East Europe, University of
Sarajevo and Bologna; professional journalist for nine years
Currently doing/Special interests PhD Candidate at the
University of Hamburg / Literature
Vankovska, Biljana, PhD
Nationality Macedonian
Academic background PhD from the Faculty of Law at the
University of Skopje
Currently doing/Special interests Full Professor of
Political Science at the Faculty of Philosophy (Department for
Defence and Peace Studies), University of Skopje (Macedonia);
Board member of the Macedonian Helsinki Committee for
Human Rights; International Advisor of Transnational Foundation
for Peace and Future Studies (TFF) in Lund (Sweden)
Vasileska, Katerina
Nationality Macedonian
Academic background European Regional Master in
Democracy and Human Rights in South East Europe, University
of Sarajevo and Bologna
Currently doing/Special interests Agent for Local
Sustainable Development (Local Agency for Development in
Struga)
47

Weingarten, Julia
Nationality German
Academic background Master of Science at King‘s College
London; Currently doing/Special interests Master of Peace and
Security Studies at the University of Hamburg / Bioinformatics,
Neuroscience
Zeka, Behlul
Nationality Kosovar
Academic background One more exam to graduate at Law
Faculty, University of Prishtina
Currently doing/Special interests International Law
Zongolowicz, Krista
Nationality US-American
Academic background Master of Studies from Oxford University
in Forced Migration
Currently doing/Special interests Human Rights Officer, OSCE
Mission in Kosovo
48