Re-integration of the Serbian minority in Belo Polje

Facilitating the return of Serbian refugees to their former homes is an important part of transitional justice in Kosovo, and provides a strong example of peaceful inter-ethnic living for the region. It sends the message to other refugees that it is safe enough for them to return as well.

Description

The aim of this initiative is the successful re-integration of the Serbian minority in the village of Belo Polje.

Project activities have included the creation of a representative body, building capacities human and other, informing the refugees of their rights and freedoms, and helping the refugees to become independent and self-sufficient in the new post-war situation.

This initiative provides information about actual and previous institutional development, training in the areas of human rights and conflict resolution, and involves teaching the organised individuals from amongst the refugees how to write project proposals. It also teaches NGO management skills, business plan development and writing etc.

Aims / Objectives

Assisting the refugees in their return to their previous homes and properties. Also helping them to know where and who to turn to when looking for information from local authorities.

This initiative is a ground stone of peace-building for this municipality and the surrounding region. The presence of Serbian refugees who have returned to Kosovo provides an example of a mutual and peaceful life. It encourages other refugees to return to their previous places of living and encourages other municipalities to start making a positive situation for refugees to return to their homes.

The project is designed on the basis of the professional needs of the minorities, consulting the with donors and relevant institutions.

This NGO was also involved in the organisation of meetings with local and national institutions, where it acted not only as the implementer of the activities but as a mediator and consular between Albanian authorities and Serbian refugees.

How it is Articulated

• Organising workshops for NGO activists, students and other individuals;
• Running lectures and training sessions for NGO activists, local residents and volunteers;
• Holding meetings with local authorities and NGO representatives, local citizens associations and authorities; and
• Advocacy for local citizens (refugees and others) seeking professional legal advice.

Achievements / Learning points

Successful implementation of the project and its positive outcomes are a reward to us. Honest devotion to work and trust in the members of a target group and the implementing NGO are the terms which secure a positive and successful project.

The fact is that all of these processes are evolving and getting developed, because if there is no creative perception and learning as well as good defining of the real needs and possibilities of an NGO then its success and future is questionable.

There is a need for consistent learning and improvement of the usage of resources and experience from others in the world, so that we can apply positive changes to our Balkan mentality and region.

Geographical Area of Operation

Municipality of Peja, Kosovo.

Funding Resources

Mostly from membership fees and voluntary donations.

Organisations Involved

• The NGO “Mediawest “ has been our partner on a long term project called "Journalist school";
• NGO “Aquila”;
• NGO “Syri I Vizionit”
• NGO: Centre for democratization of Peja;
• Womens' association “Alma”;
• Independent Youth Centre from Vitomirica;
• NGO Kosovo Youth Network from Pristina; and
• NGO PRO Verde, and many others.