Kosovo’s legal framework on anti-discrimination is modern, but implementation on the ground faces numerous obstacles

The Ombudsperson Institution has published its 2025 Annual Report on the implementation of the Law on Protection from Discrimination, analyzing the current situation in Kosovo and the difficulties facing the enforcement of this legislation.

According to the document, Kosovo’s legal framework is modern and largely aligned with European and international directives, but the main problem lies in the practical and consistent implementation of these provisions.

During the period covered by the report, the Ombudsperson documented cases of discrimination and inequality in several key sectors, including the labor market, access to public services, social protection schemes, the rights of persons with disabilities, the rights of minority groups, and gender equality.

The report highlights a deep concern: the poor level of implementation of the Law on Protection from Discrimination by state institutions.

The Ombudsperson notes that, in many institutions, protective mechanisms against discrimination have not been properly put into operation. There is also a lack of complete and standardized data on discriminatory incidents, while legal obligations are often observed only formally.

The document stresses that obstacles to exercising rights do not arise solely from individual behavior, but in some cases also from the way legislation itself is implemented, as well as from entrenched institutional policies and practices.

According to the report, the lack of a centralized system for recording and reporting violations makes it difficult to build an accurate picture of the actual situation in the country.

Although this marks the third consecutive year that the Ombudsperson has submitted a dedicated report on the law in question to the Assembly, the two previous reports have still not been reviewed by Kosovo’s legislature.

The Ombudsperson warns that this situation blocks institutional debate and reduces the chances of turning the recommendations into practical action.

According to the institution, the report should be viewed as a signal for the authorities to mobilize and take responsibility, so that structures for combating discrimination can be strengthened, accountability deepened, and the effective implementation of laws guaranteed.

The Ombudsperson once again emphasizes that protection from discrimination and respect for equality are not only constitutional and legal obligations, but also fundamental pillars of a democratic, inclusive society based on justice.