Kosovo The Government, "political" promises even for the children!

June 2, 2007

Comment: The 1st of June is celebrated in Kosovo as around the region, as the International Children Day. The celebrations provide also an opportunity to generate reflections within the governmental and non-governmental institutions – and through media – within the general public at large, on child rights situation within Kosovo.

This article takes a critical approach by confronting the government’s approach, focussing mainly on successes achieved, with information provided by Unicef Office in Kosovo where the main attention is on the challenges to be addressed. It is also interesting that the article seeks to reflect the view of the children themselves on their situation and what the 1st of June means to them.

As demonstrated by the article, despite the measures taken by the Government in Kosovo, child labour and exploitation for labour purposes still remains of serious concern. Reference is also done to the high rate of child mortality and poverty within Kosovo as well as child abuse and school abandonment. Measures to support children should include support for their parents and families by providing real opportunities to them. Whilst the article does not discuss in details the root causes behind this situation and puts instead the entire blame on the government, reflection is also needed on the responsibility of the international community in charge of governing Kosovo for a substantial period.

(This Press review is under the framework of EIDHR funded project, implemented jointly with PVPT Kosovo)