Kosovo is committed to build a multiethnic country

Deputy Minister Mr. Kasapolli, at the beginning of this debate has informed the participants on the commitment of the ministry that he leads, but also of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo, for full integration of this community in Kosovar society. “Within this engagement we have organized two meetings, open discussions with NGO representatives who are active in the field of supporting the integration of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities, with the aim to assess the current situation and undertaking appropriate steps in the current stage. Through my role as the Chairman of the Inter-institutional Steering Committee for Implementation of the Strategy for integration of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities”, added Mr. Kasapolli.

Education is a guaranteed right of every child and is a key for integration and social inclusion of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities, therefore, Deputy Minister Kasapolli emphasized that during the period of implementation of the Strategy and Action Plan, responsible institutions have proven greater commitment in achieving the targets set out in this strategic document. However, he assessed that more needs to be done in this direction. “It continues to remain a concern the fact that Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian children still have a low number of access in education and the level of school dropout especially among girls continues to remain a concern. We are aware that the main factors that contributes to this situation are: High level of poverty among three communities, low level of education and awareness of parents regarding the importance of education, the difficulties faced by the children who Roma language is their mother tongue. Other socialization difficulties that these children face along their education”.

At the end of this debate, it was concluded that the responsible institutions in close cooperation with the members of these three communities itself and civil society organizations need to make greater efforts in overcoming these difficulties, for full integration of this community in our society.