(Nov 2011)

International recognition of Kosovo's independence in 2008 has not changed the situation of human rights defenders (HRDs) in the country. Human rights defenders and journalist continue to be subjected to threats and intimidation. Ethnic tensions and politically motivated violence between Kosovo Serbs and Kosovo Albanians remained present and affect the work of HRDs.

There continue to be numerous reports of journalists being threatened and assaulted, including at the hands of political figures. Some of them were discouraged to file complaints against the perpetrators. There have also been reports of repeated violent attacks with explosive devices against journalists.

Anti-corruption organisations find themselves harassed by government authorities. Activists fighting for accountability for alleged crimes committed by personnel of the United Nations Interim Administration in Kosovo (UNMIK) have also faced harassment.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) rights defenders in Kosovo face difficulties in carrying out their work. Although Kosovo has one of the broadest anti-discrimination laws in Europe, public attitude remains deeply homophobic and the law is not fully applied. Illustrative are cases of harassment and discrimination against members of the LGBTI community by medical staff in local hospitals. Widespread homophobia affects the work of LGBTI rights defenders, who describe their work conditions as being 'very underground'.

The justice system remains weak, despite efforts to try perpetrators of past war crimes and post war abuses against minorities. While an Ombudsperson Institution exists, the authorities have often times ignored or significantly delayed response to the deliberations of the Ombudsperson.

European Commission's annual progress report highlighted the ongoing weakness of Kosovo's justice system, the inadequate attention given to ensuring accountability for war crimes; the continuing threats to independent journalists; slow progress on ascertaining the whereabouts of missing persons; and the widespread discrimination and marginalization of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian Kosovars.