Roma, Ashkalija and Egyptians Face Serious Protection Problems in Kosovo

10 July 2002

On April 30, 2002, the United Nations High Commissioner on Refugees (UNHCR) released the "UNHCR Paper on the Continued Protection Needs of Individuals from Kosovo". Significant attention was given to the dangers that Roma, Ashkalija and Egyptians (RAE) living in Kosovo continue to face. In particular, the UNHCR noted that, "The physical security of RAE communities remains volatile. While some communities have attained a degree of stability where violent attacks are rare, others continue to face regular violence and intimidation. However, even in areas where inter-ethnic relations appear to have improved, experience has demonstrated that the risk of attack remains […]" Violent attacks against persons perceived to be "Gypsies" in Kosovo are underreported due to intimidation and, as such, the following is a non-exhaustive list of the most recent incidents:

• On April 23, 2002, a 17-year-old Ashkali boy from Serbia and Montenegro visiting relatives in the Dubrava neighbourhood of Ferizaj/Uroševac was shot three times according to the Ninth Assessment of the Situation of Ethnic Minorities in Kosovo by the UNHCR and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). According to the UNHCR/OSCE report, the boy was hospitalised with serious injuries.
• On February 1, 2002, a hand grenade was thrown into the garden of a Romani family in Rahovec/Orahovac, according to the UNHCR/OSCE.
• On January 17, 2002, an Ashkalija resident of Ferizaj/Uroševac was assaulted by three ethnic Albanians, according to the UNHCR/OSCE.
• On December 21, 2001, an Egyptian resident of Gjakovë/Đakovica was threatened by an ethnic Albanian with a pistol according to the UNHCR/OSCE. The ethnic Albanian was reportedly arrested in connection with the incident.

The freedom of movement of Roma, Ashkalija and Egyptians in Kosovo is limited due to continued violence and discrimination against them. According to the UNHCR/OSCE assessment, this "adversely affects their ability to exercise social and economic rights especially with regard to full access to employment opportunities, education, health, social services and utilities."

(OSCE, UNHCR)