IOM Kosovo www.iomkosovo.org
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Last updated: 01/10/11 at 14:59
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European Commission Liaison Office in Kosovo has signed a five million EUR grant agreement with IOM for the implementation of the European Commission funded Project entitled “Beautiful Kosovo”. This 30 month project will be implemented in partnership with the Danish Refugee Council (DRC). The project aims at fostering economic development and reducing poverty in selected municipalities by enhancing economic opportunities for Kosovo’s population, especially marginalized groups. The project will seek to support short and medium-term job opportunities for selected beneficiaries within identified Local Public Companies (LPCs) and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This undertaking will enhance the skills of unemployed and marginalized groups through vocational education and trainings as well as improve urban infrastructure through the implementation of public works projects. Despite the substantial assistance from the European Union and other donors in efforts to support economic recovery, the unemployment rate in Kosovo remains the highest in the Balkans and in Europe at around 43% during the 2009. With a very young population, Kosovo’s labour market is strained each year by the entrance of thousands of young people into the labour market. Emphasizing the importance of this European Commission Liaison Office initiative, IOM Kosovo Chief of Mission Jorge Baca Vaughan particularly highlights investment in economic growth and employment as a critical component for overcoming social difficulties. Baca stated that: “Its time to invest in the future of the communities and this project as well as current IOM Kosovo ongoing EU Community Stabilization Programme implemented, have the means to rapidly and effectively stimulate the economic empowerment of marginalized groups in Kosovo.”
The EU-Community Stabilization Programme has been established to support the improvement of the socio-economic situation of minorities and minority communities throughout Kosovo, thereby supporting the international community and the Ministry on Community and Returns (MCR) Strategy to strengthen and stabilize communities and promote sustainable return. The programme aims to improve living conditions and to promote sustainable livelihoods in minority areas in Kosovo through the implementation of income generation and community development activities. The Programme will target the minority communities in 28 of the 38 municipalities of Kosovo, including the most recently formed municipalities of Gracanica/Graçanicë, Klokot/Kllokot, Partes/Partesh and Ranilug/Ranillug. Target minority groups include ethnic Serbs and members of Kosovo's Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian (RAE) communities. Also included are the Albanian communities living in those municipalities with a predominantly Serbian population. To enhance the employment prospects of the targeted communities, the programme programme will provide technical and financial support, through the provision of business skills training and grant assistance to currently opperational and aspiring entrepreneurs wishing to expand the capacities of an on-going venture or to start-up a new business. In order to increase the exchange of skills and knowledge the programme will facilitate meetings between beneficiary businesses and local producers and suppliers. This will further enhance the exchange of best practices and increase the regional impact of the programme on the local markets and between communities. Through the programme a business fair will be carried out, providing an opportunity for beneficiary businesses to display their products to wider markets and increase business exchange and facilitate linkages between suppliers and producers and between the communities of Kosovo. The programme will support the implementation of community driven development, social and cultural projects supported through technical assistance and financial grants for these initiatives. Special focus will be placed on assisting female run businesses and projects including those that target young adults, and disabled minorities.EU - CSP MAIN ACTIVITIES: - Financial and Technical support to new and existing micro-enterprises, including those in the agricultural sector; - Beneficiaries trained in business skills to ensure the viability of the enterprise; - Community development, social and cultural projects supported through financial grants; - Carry out a business fair, to increase as a market linkage for beneficiaries; - Knowledge exchange facilitated between beneficiaries and with local producers and suppliers; - Business to Business meetings between beneficiary producers and local companies conducted; - Special grant assistance focused on women, young adults, and the disabled minorities.
The overall objective of this project funded by Kingdom of Belgium is to reduce irregular migration to Western Europe/Belgium by developing a public information campaign against irregular migration and building the capacity of local RAE NGOs to better serve their communities through more effective advocacy on their behalf, providing sustainable integration/stabilization options and prevent/reduce further irregular migration to Western Europe. The project were initially planed to start on November 1st 2009 but due to upcoming events such local elections in Kosovo, the project in close coordination with IOM Brussels and Belgium Immigration office was postponed and officially has started on January 1st 2010. During two months period the following project activities took place: Capacity-Building of RAE NGOs The trainings of eight most active RAE NGOs that were selected for implementation of CBIC activities, in close coordination with NGO representatives are taking place The first training for Irregular Migration took place in Prishtina MLSW Migration Service Centre on 25th and 26th of February with over 40 participant from different RAE NGOs Awareness-Raising Campaign on the Risks of Irregular Migration The Public information campaign was designed in close cooperation with representatives of two respective Kosovo Ministries and representatives of NGOs. Public Information campaign officially launched on 23rd of February and was covered by main national and local TV's, Radio's and news papers and this event took place with presence of IOM chief of Mission, Head of Belgium Office in Kosovo, two partner ministries (MoIA and MLSW) and respective RAE NGOs partners Up to end of Project/end of April 2010, the TV and Radio spots, Newspaper and Billboard ads will be disseminated in main national and local TVs, Radio's and Newspapers. Two big billboard ads were placed in Prishtina, two in Prizren, one in Peja and one in Gjakova. The introductory and coordination meetings between RAE NGOs and appropriate MLSW (Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare) officials are taking place to familiarize RAE NGO leaders (men and women) about the services available through the MLSW structures, including vocational training and job referrals. RESULTS: By the end of the project, RAE NGO leaders will have been trained on project management, available local opportunities and migration awareness. The general population of Kosovo, and particularly RAE communities, will have been made aware of the risks associated with irregular migration to the EU, in particular Belgium. Capacity building for RAE NGOs Up to 10 trainings (with 20-40 participants each) delivered to RAE NGOs thereby enhancing their capacities in project proposal writing, fundraising, project implementation/management, advocacy and a variety of other fields RAE NGO community empowered and their capacity to organize and work with local and central government structures strengthened, thereby increasing their ability to advance the objectives of the community they represent and facilitate access to government services and benefits. Up to six introductory and coordination meetings held between RAE NGOs and appropriate MLSW (Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare) officials to familiarize RAE NGO leaders (men and women) about the services available through the MLSW structures, including vocational training and job referrals. Public (awareness-raising) information campaign on the risks and consequences of irregular migration to Western Europe in cooperation with the Ministry of Internal Affairs - Department of Borders, Migration and Asylum Information campaign designed and conducted in close coordination with the MoIA to alert the general population in Kosovo, as well as the RAE community in particular, as to the grave risks and consequences of illegal entry/stay, residing and working without permits etc. in countries in Western Europe, in particular in Belgium. Two television spots giving positive messages that dissuade irregular migration, such as "Your Future is Here in Kosovo" will be designed and produced; Agreements made with at least three television stations to air the two spots a minimum of five times; Up to six radio spots to combat irregular migration designed and produced; Up to 50 broadcasts of campaign radio spots aired; Up to three billboard ads designed with positive messages and images that dissuade irregular migration and promote pride in Kosovo; Up to five newspaper ads designed and produced for the campaign and run for up to two weeks in major local newspaper(s); Press conference held to publicize campaign. In coordination with the donor and the MoIA, IOM will jointly decide whether this conference should be held at the campaign's launch or to mark its successful conclusion. Number of RAE community members who visit the Migration Service Centre will increase by at least 25% by the project's end. Contribution made to a decreased number of potential and actual migrants from Kosovo WHO resort to irregular means of migration, as reflected by data on migration flows/dynamics (including the number of visa applications made, work and residence permits issued, apprehended aliens, and information on the activities of trafficking/smuggling and prostitution networks) gathered from national immigration and police authorities of host countries. One of the overarching purposes of this project is to enhance the capacity of RAE NGOs to better serve the needs of the community they represent. Capacity-building activities will include the following types of training: a) NGO management training Resource mobilization, grant proposal writing, and other fundraising techniques. Methods to improve visibility and increase advocacy on behalf of RAE communities. Project management and implementation. b) Training on local opportunities Outreach and access to government services and benefits for community members, job creation, vocational training and income generation opportunities. By ensuring that RAE NGOs are aware of the existing municipal and regional services that already exist in Kosovo, they will be better equipped to assist their community members in locating employment opportunities using services readily available at a number of locations, such as the Regional Employment Offices (REO) and the Department of Labour and Employment (DoLE) offices, both of which are under the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (MLSW). Another key example are the regional Vocational Training Centres, which IOM will introduce the RAE NGOs to so that they, in turn, can share this information with their community members. Vocational training will make RAE community members more employable. IOM has already been working closely with these structures of the MLSW for over seven years through the implementation of numerous projects, particularly those supporting the reintegration of returnees. IOM will build on these close ties with the MLSW structures in the implementation of this project. By introducing RAE NGOs to the directors and managers of these facilities and helping to cultivate positive relations between them ensure that the project has a sustainable impact. c) Migration awareness training Migration issues affecting Kosovo and the risks associated with irregular migration to Western Europe, in particular to Belgium, and how to offer counseling and guidance. Options for legal migration, such as study abroad programmes, etc. Trainings on migration awareness will be conducted at the IOM/MLSW Migration Service Center (MSC). IOM will provide all instructional materials and learning tools. The MSC will play a key role throughout this project as it offers potential migrants with up-to-date, accurate information about the realities of migration. This helps to destroy rumors and false information that can be passed among family and friends about supposed "migration opportunities". In the long-run, the MSC can also help cut down on trafficking in human beings as well. d) Training on Gender Topics to be covered in this training include: human rights and violence against women and children, Domestic and pre-marriage violence; Economic independence of women as a key element for raising awareness; the role of women in family and society.
The overall objective of this new EC funded project started on 15 of June 2009 is to enhance the development of functional, effective and integrated systems of border management in line with EU standards in the Western Balkans and Turkey through the enhancement of inter-agency, bilateral and regional cooperation and coordination. The specific objectives are to facilitate the establishment of open, but well-controlled and secure borders among the Western Balkan States and Turkey, as well as between these countries and EUMSs and other international actors. In particular, the more effective management of borders at the national and regional level will be established through the support of relevant services involved. In addition, risk analysis for BCP-level procedures and operations will be improved in order to effectively identify suspicious cases without hampering legitimate movements. Specific outputs are as follows: Establishment of a permanent regional forum for Heads of Border Services; Regional gap analysis of the eight countries; One general training organized and carried out in each country for policy makers on how IBM Strategies and Action Plans link and accord with EU standards); Recommendations for harmonizing automated data processing systems; One three-day specialized trainings organized and carried out on risk analysis to mid-level management border and customs officials and veterinary and phytosanitary, the judiciary as well as migration and asylum services/agencies in each country in charge of risk analysis, statistics and special operations; One three-day Training of Trainers organized focusing on the establishment of separate risk information exchange systems between customs administrations, veterinary and phytosanitary, the judiciary as well as migration and asylum services/agencies in order to speed up border procedures and to provide reliable information for risk analysis; Two one-week study tours arranged to two EU MS countries with exemplary IBM-implemented procedures; The current project activities are including all activities that will be implemented in first six month period as follows: 1. Preparatory phase: Establish the project management unit and project infrastructure; hold a series of meetings and nominate project focal points from Kosovo Government and all involved agencies; gather and analyze available statistics and relevant documents Operational phase: Activity: Establishment of a Permanent Regional Forum for Heads of Border Services (PRFHBS) - Appointment of Kosovo national representative in this forum. Activity: Establishment of an Assessment and Monitoring Team (AMT) - Benchmarking - Appointment of Kosovo national representative in this forum. Activity: Specialized Trainings on Risk Analysis - To identify and decide who would attend the risk analysis and CIRAM Activity: Improving and Harmonizing Automated Data Processing Systems - To identify possible sources of information. Up to date the project resulted with Appointment of Kosovo national representatives in PRFHBS forum and in Assessment and Monitoring Team (AMT). Also the Kosovo participants in Specialized Trainings on Risk Analysis are identified.
Fostering the Sustainable Return and Reintegration of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian (RAE) Communities to Klinë/Klina Municipality' (RRRAE) has been designed in the light of the need for an integrated and multi-sectoral approach to returns, which takes into account the specific needs of the targeted groups. Through the RRRAE project, IOM have assisted 27 ethnic RAE families - who been Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) in their return and socio-economic reintegration in the villages in the Klinë/Klina municipality. Prior to returning, RRAE project assisted the beneficiaries in resolving property-related issues and registering with municipality, which have ensured them access to public services. In total, 30 families (27 RAE & 3 ethnic Albanian vulnerable families) have benefit from housing and equipment grants allowing for small-scale income-generating activities as well as 'self-reliance packages' including items to furnish their houses and also tools for gardening/agricultural activities. Thanks to inter-ethnic reconciliation activities, led by a local NGO "Elena Gjika", inter-group relations in targeted villages of Klinë/Klina municipality have improved. The project was a combination of several activities including: the assessment of the IDPs; site preparation at the return locations; reconstruction of housing and community infrastructure; balancing projects for reconciling with the neighbouring population; and measures to support the longer-term socio-economic reintegration of the IDPs. Beneficiaries were assisted at each stage of the programme's implementation and their active participation and feedback were continuously sought. At the same time, programme staff maintained close coordination with municipal authorities and supported them in opening channels of dialogue with the returnee community. Throughout the RRRAE project's implementation, IOM strived to identify opportunities for mainstreaming gender, particularly seeking advice from its local partner, Elena Gjika, which has been made focal point for gender issues. Special emphasis has given to ascertaining innovative and sustainable ways of mainstreaming gender and promoting greater involvement of women in project activities, while remaining appropriately sensitive to the culture and traditions of RAE and rural Albanian communities. The RRRAE team has facilitated dialogue at the village and municipal levels to promote community involvement in decision-making processes, with village leaders from both the returning and receiving communities participating. At the same time, IOM has advocate municipal authorities to ensure that appropriate attention is given to RAE communities, particularly concerning critical matters such as their access to social services and education. RRRAE project resulted in the reconstruction of 30 houses (including one Category IV house, and 29 Category V houses, according to the UNMIK Housing Guidelines) for the 30 beneficiary families, which comprised 190 persons and included four families led by female heads of households. Thirty income-generation projects were initiated, which provided them with livelihood sustenance. Under the balancing initiative of the community infrastructure improvements, four projects were implemented including low-tension electricity lines, school rehabilitation and school sports yard. Through inter-community integration activities, including activities for children, women as well as social gatherings for the communities, a contribution was made to intensifying the interaction between the receiving and the returnee communities. R E S U L T S: 30 houses (including one Category IV house, and 29 Category V houses, according to the UNMIK Housing Guidelines) for the 30 beneficiary families, which comprised 190 persons and included four families led by female heads of households. Thirty income-generation projects were initiated, which provided them with livelihood sustenance. Under the balancing initiative of the community infrastructure improvements, four projects were implemented including low-tension electricity lines, school rehabilitation and school sports yard. Through inter-community integration activities, including activities for children, women as well as social gatherings for the communities, a contribution was made to intensifying the interaction between the receiving and the returnee communities.
The "Reintegration Assistance for Separated Kosovo Protection Corps Members" (RASKPC) project, initiated in January 2007, seeks to promote and assist in the sustainable reintegration of individuals who are separating from the Kosovo Protection Corps (KPC) by providing them with a dignified exit process from the Corps. The nine-month pilot phase of the project concentrates on an initial group of 80 KPC members, who already have been identified by the Office of the KPC Coordinator (OKPCC) of the United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). This project aims to foster beneficiaries' opportunities for employment and self-employment by improving their income-generating prospects through a variety of measures including: basic business skills training; referral to further training options; on-the-job training schemes through the provision of salary subsidies; and financial assistance for business development. By using an individually tailored approach, the RASKPC project aims to maximize each beneficiary's skills, interests, and educational and/or professional background with an assistance package that corresponds to his/her needs and increases the likelihood of his/her sustainable re-entry into Kosovo's labour force.The RASKPC project's reintegration scheme consist of three main assistance components:training for Employment or Self-Employment which includes trainings provided directly by IOM and referrals to trainings conducted by Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) and other professional instructors/agencies; employment Referrals to existing job opportunities in the private and public sectors, which can include the provision of salary subsidies for on-the-job training (OJT); and technical and Financial Assistance (micro-grants) for Small Business Development. The project was funded by United Kingdom
The "Fund for Agro-Processing and Industrial Revitalization (FAIR)" Project aimed to foster economic development in the northern part of Kosovo, specifically in the Municipalities of Mitrovicë/a, Zvecan, Leposavic/q, Zubin Potok and Vushtrri/Vucitrn. FAIR offered financial and technical support to promising entrepreneurs through the provision of grants ranging from 50,000 to 200,000 EURO following a competitive application process. Local businesses, as well as joint ventures with foreign companies, has been eligible to apply for a FAIR grant that has been used in the establishment or expansion of an enterprise in the manufacturing, agro-processing and service sectors. Grant recipients were offered with various types of technical assistance throughout the duration of the project to foster their success. Applicants has undergo a rigorous evaluation process, whereby they been assessed against such criteria as their business' relevance for economic development in Kosovo, its financial sustainability, profitability, and growth potential, as well as its utilization of local resources. Grant recipients were required to contribute at least 25% of the total investment sought through FAIR. Through FAIR, ECLO/IOM aimed to foster the growth of competitive business environment and promote greater adherence to European standards for financial accountability and environmental protection. In addition, by allowing joint ventures, FAIR has sought to attract foreign investment in Kosovo. FAIR R E S U L T S 1) 15 enterprises created or expanded in the targeted municipalities through grant disbursements ranging from 50,000 Euros to 200,000 Euros; 2) Over 500 reasonable (minimum monthly pay of 100 Euros) full-time employment opportunities created, all being of medium to long-term duration (one year and more); 3) Over 15 beneficiaries assisted with financial and environmental advice or training/instruction provided by specialized local consultants; 4) A 75% success rate among grant recipients' enterprises, where success will mean longer-term employment (at least 18 months) for the principal beneficiary and medium-term employment (at least 12 months) for the employee(s), with 50% of the direct beneficiaries receiving their sole source of income from the project-supported enterprise.
The Poverty Alleviation in Marginalized Municipalities - PAMM project of €3.2 m, managed by the European Commission Liaison Office and implemented by the International Organization for Migration, was launched in December 2006 and provided financial and technical assistance by supporting the start-up of new and existing income generation activities, through grant assistance and business development training. The project aimed to help reduce poverty and stimulate durable economic development, thereby stabilizing the socio-economic conditions of the ten target municipalities in the longer-term. It was dedicated to creating employment and other types of income-generating opportunities for residents of ten targeted municipalities which have generally been excluded from other development initiatives, namely: Dragash / Dragaš, Gllogoc / Glogovac, Malishevë/ Mališevo, Mamushë / Mamuša, Novobërdë / Novobrdo, Podujevë / Podujevo, Rahovec / Orahovac, Shtime / Štimlje, Skenderaj / Srbica, and Vushtrri / Vucitrn. On-going technical assistance was offered through Regional Business Centres (RBCs) - where target individuals and groups received support developing their business proposals and researching area or regional markets. The RBCs provide PAMM grant recipients with additional guidance and services once their enterprises have commenced with their activities such as entrepreneurial management training, marketing and product promotion, and free internet and e-mail services to promote e-commerce. RBC's during reporting period has promoted entrepreneurship through different types of activities, especially based on information, advice and consulting. The PAMM project endeavoured to upgrade the marketing of goods and promote networks between entrepreneurs at local and regional markets, with the ultimate goals of developing solid long-term ventures, generating income and creating employment. In support of these efforts, all project beneficiaries, as well as PAMM stakeholders have been invited to participate in a Business Fair that was organized. During the two and half year period, PAMM has issued four calls for proposals with 230 grants awarded by Grant Approval Steering Committee out of close to 1500 applications. Grant recipients were identified through a rigorous selection process based on the viability and economic and environmental soundness of their business proposals. Out of total number of 230 beneficiaries 52 (around 25 %) were women and 26 (around 11%) beneficiaries out of total were beneficiaries from minority communities. RESULTS: 1) A marked tangible improvement in the general living conditions and increase in economic production and business services for marginalized and vulnerable communities in the targeted municipalities; 2) 211 micro-enterprises (including those in the agricultural sector) in the target areas created or expanded through the disbursement of grants ranging from 5,000 Euro to 8,000 Euro; 3) 19 larger community development projects funded through the disbursement of grants ranging from 10,000 Euro to 40,000 Euro; 4) 427 (minimum monthly income of 75 Euro) full-time and from 320 part-time or seasonal employment opportunities created or secured, all being of medium to long-term durations (one year and more); 5) 230 aspiring or current entrepreneurs have undergone targeted business skills training in the areas of business administration, accounting, marketing, business communications and / or language skills and other specialized provided by local consultants; 6) One business fair organized as a market linkage opportunity for beneficiaries.
The main aim of this project that was implemented from September 2006 to February 2007 was to support vulnerable returnees once they come back to Kosovo by addressing their fundamental humanitarian needs, as well as offering additional basic reinsertion assistance to the most vulnerable among them through the provision of in-kind donations in order to maintain their subsistence.Returning persons were provided with information about HAVR upon their arrival at the Prishtinë/Priština airport. In order being eligible for HAVR support, beneficiaries must have returned to Kosovo during the period of the project’s implementation and meet the project’s vulnerability criteria. The assistance offered to eligible returnees comprises in-kind donations that can include: working tool-kits, livestock or basic house repairs. Under no circumstances the returnees are provided with money. A total of 176 families have been informed of the project and 44 families have been identified as potential beneficiaries according to HAVR criteria. Out of these, 25 have applied for humanitarian assistance.From the effective commencement of HAVR activities, 15 applications have been approved, enabling these vulnerable returnee families to receive the humanitarian assistance requested. This project was funded by government of Germany
The main aim of this project that was implemented from September 2006 to February 2007 was to support vulnerable returnees once they come back to Kosovo by addressing their fundamental humanitarian needs, as well as offering additional basic reinsertion assistance to the most vulnerable among them through the provision of in-kind donations in order to maintain their subsistence.Returning persons were provided with information about HAVR upon their arrival at the Prishtinë/Priština airport. In order being eligible for HAVR support, beneficiaries must have returned to Kosovo during the period of the project’s implementation and meet the project’s vulnerability criteria. The assistance offered to eligible returnees comprises in-kind donations that can include: working tool-kits, livestock or basic house repairs. Under no circumstances the returnees are provided with money. A total of 176 families have been informed of the project and 44 families have been identified as potential beneficiaries according to HAVR criteria. Out of these, 25 have applied for humanitarian assistance.From the effective commencement of HAVR activities, 15 applications have been approved, enabling these vulnerable returnee families to receive the humanitarian assistance requested. This project was funded by government of Germany
The Community Enhancement and Development (CED) program was established in September 2006 and has continued to December 2008. The program was initiated based on both critical public needs and the successful collaboration between the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The overall objective of the program has been to improve the living conditions of the targeted communities, initially these were in northern Kosovo, namely northern Mitrovica/ë and Zubin Potok municipalities. The Community Enhancement and Development Program (CEDP) concentrates on improving the living conditions of the targeted residents of the northern part of Kosovo through the implementation of projects that are designed to respond rapidly, visibly and at the community level to critical public needs. The program has improved the standard of living in the beneficiary communities through the implementation of 23 CED (Community Enhancement and Development) and 27 CAF (Community Advancement Fund) projects that have responded rapidly, visibly and at the community level to essential public needs. The project resulted with 23 infrastructure development projects (7 primary schools, 1 secondary school, 2 university faculties, 2 kindergartens, 3 public buildings, 2 roads, 3 medical buildings, 1 sports field, 1 water system, 1 wheel chair access ramps) from which have directly benefited 47,543 individuals and 426 temporary jobs created and 522 jobs secured. Under CAF component 27 projects implemented resulted with 155 people that have provided labour for CAF projects. In general through CEDP 950 people from 'at-risk' groups reached, 85 Community Action Meetings held with over 369 participants. R E S U L T S: 23 infrastructure development projects 7 primary schools, 1 secondary school, 2 university faculties, 2 kindergartens, 3 public buildings, 2 roads, 3 medical buildings, 1 sports field, 1 water system, 1 wheel chair access ramps 27 projects implemented resulted with 155 people that have provided labour for CAF projects. In general through CEDP 950 people from 'at-risk' groups reached, 85 Community Action Meetings held with over 369 participants.
The Kosovo Source Information Project (KOSIP) was a cooperative venture between the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Mission in Kosovo and the International Agency for Source Country Information (IASCI) implemented from June 2006 until February 2007. It represented one of the initiatives developed by IOM in response to UNMIK’s request for support in enhancing reception and reintegration capacities in Kosovo. The aim of this project was to serve as a sophisticated information management mechanism specifically designed for obtaining highly reliable, field-based information from identified primary sources in order to help decision-makers and any professional end-user engaged in pre-departure planning and return preparation activities specifically targeting potential returnees, migration authorities, refugee and IDP associations; Working on behalf of host countries and the UNMIK Office of Returns, Communities and Minority Affairs (OCRM) KOSIP had proven itself capable of providing unbiased, objective and reliable field-based information directly to relevant decision-makers and professional end-users engaged in migration management. As an integral part of this strategy, the KOSIP partners created a well-functioning information exchange system between the central and the municipal authorities, namely the Municipal Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), under which MROs and MCOs operate. The project was funded by UNMIK
The overall aim of this EAR funded return project was sustainable return and reintegration of 40 IDPs families to Kosovo currently displaced in Serbia and Montenegro through a combination of activities at displacement and return locations. The project was a continuation of the 'Returns of Internally Displaced Persons to the Villages of Sigë/a, Brestovik and Ljevosa/Levoshë in the Pejë/Pec Region, which IOM implemented between 1 September 2003 and 31 October 2005. It targeted the same areas in order to expand the programme's impact and consolidate its achievements, while also satisfying the requests of IDPs who expressed their wish and commitment to return. The implemented activities were a combination of cross-sectored measures needed in order to successfully facilitate not only the physical return but also the durable reinsertion of the targeted persons at the sites of their former homes in Kosovo. The interventions of the SBL II programme can be organized into six main components; each component consisted of a set of activities, which were preceded by an assessment/verification based on the available and emerging data, actual returns and the specificities and corresponding needs of the returning IDP families. a) Assessment, Prioritisation of IDPs Return and Cadastral Property Clearance; b) House Site Preparation and Housing Reconstruction; c) Pre- and post-departure Assistance; d) Income Generation Activities; e) Inter-Community Integration Activities and f) Community Infrastructure Improvements SBL II resulted in the reconstruction of 40 houses (including seven Category IV houses, and 33 Category V houses, according to the UNMIK Housing Guidelines) for the 40 beneficiary families, which comprised 225 persons and included four families led by single female heads of households. Forty income-generation projects were initiated, which provided them with livelihood sustenance. Under the balancing initiative of the community infrastructure improvements, existing public low-tension electricity lines were extended in the three targeted villages and the water system was rehabilitated. Through inter-community integration activities, including activities for children, women as well as social gatherings for the communities, a contribution was made to intensifying the interaction between the receiving and the returnee communities. The following results are achieved through the implementation of the programme: 40 selected IDPs families (representing approximately 200 individuals) returned to their place of origin in Kosovo; 40 houses rehabilitated and connected to water and sewage system, and to electricity network; 40 households provided with assistance for self-subsistence after returning to their original communities; Returnees and, where feasible, the recipient community assisted with income generation activities; 40 households enabled to access local public services, including registration, health and education; Small-scale infrastructure works implemented in the targeted areas in the interest of the resident majority community and inter-community integration activities; 8 balancing infrastructure projects implemented; Improved inter-ethnic dialogue and relations within and around the return locations; 6 inter-community reintegration projects implemented R E S U L T S: 40 selected IDPs families (representing approximately 200 individuals) returned to their place of origin in Kosovo; 40 houses rehabilitated and connected to water and sewage system, and to electricity network; 40 households provided with assistance for self-subsistence after returning to their original communities; Returnees and, where feasible, the recipient community assisted with income generation activities; 40 households enabled to access local public services, including registration, health and education; Small-scale infrastructure works implemented in the targeted areas in the interest of the resident majority community and inter-community integration activities; 8 balancing infrastructure projects implemented; Improved inter-ethnic dialogue and relations within and around the return locations; 6 inter-community reintegration projects implemented
The “Reception Activities for Returnees and Skills Transfer to Local Authorities” and “Fostering Sustainable Reinsertion in Kosovo by Enhancing Administrative and Municipal Capacities” project aimed at expanding local reception capacity through the provision of a range of humanitarian measures for reception, temporary accommodation and onward transportation assistance to returnees’ final destination within Kosovo, thereby mitigating the potentially destabilizing effects of large numbers of returns. At the same time it contributed to the strengthening of local capacities to ensure a balanced and rapid provision of reinsertion services to returnees within their municipalities of destination in Kosovo, by enhancing the capability of municipal authorities – in particular the Municipal Chief Officers (CEOs) – to develop and put in place streamlined, standardized and rapid procedures for the reinsertion of returnees. During the project duration (from January 2006 to December 2006) 3,423 returnees have been assisted at the Prishtinë/Priština Airport arriving from the following countries: Germany (1,299), Austria (474), Croatia (275), Slovenia (253), Sweden (222), Switzerland (191), France (152), Hungary (137), Denmark (116), Norway (69), Luxemburg (54), Belgium (49) and various other countries. Out of this total number, 554 returnees benefited from the project’s onward transportation assistance to their final destinations (villages) within Kosovo. In the project’s transit centre for temporary accommodation, which was established in the Vushtrri/Vuèitrn Municipality (located 20 km from Prishtinë/Priština on the main road to Mitrovicë/a), returnees have received short-term shelter and later have been transported to their final destinations. Since the beginning of the project, 27 persons have been temporarily accommodated in transit centre. At the end of November, this facility was dismantled and the returnees have been accommodated in the “Adra” shelter in Prishtine/Pristina until the end of December 2006. The project was funded by UNMIK
The aim of this project was to contribute to the orderly migration management and raising awareness of migration-related issues through the creation of the first regional network of Migrant Service Centres offering standardised yet flexible services to migrants in the region, thereby supporting the governments of the collaborating countries in managing migration. A total of 2,812 beneficiaries were assisted during the project duration (December 2005-June 2006) The project was by funded European Commission EC (High Level Working Group)
The aim of this programme was to foster economic and social development in specific minority areas in Kosovo (northern Kosovo municipalities and in Gracanica, Strpce/Shterpce, Dragash/Dragaš as well as the Gjilan/Gnjilane areas) by providing a better community environment, encouraging members of ethnic minorities to remain in Kosovo.The programme was designed to create jobs through the donation of equipment to existing and successful micro-businesses, develope a better educated workforce by donating equipment and providing technical assistance and training and improve working conditions in the medical and educational field.Throughout its implementation, the programme created 104 and secured a further 271 jobs (of which 36% include female beneficiaries) through a total of 46 projects.The programme was implemented from November 2005 until October 2006. The project was funded by the European Agency for Reconstruction (EAR)
The aim of the CIP programme has been to contribute to employment creation and the improvement of income levels among minority populations, as well as to enhance the conditions for the retention and reintegration of minorities in Kosovo. The programme assisted two different types of beneficiaries through the provision of technical assistance and equipment delivery. The programme was run in parallel with another IOM/EAR initiative called the Support for Enterprise Development in Minority Areas (SEDMIN) programme. The team of the SEDMIN programme implemented the activities of the CIP programme and successfully identified businesses and institutions that were suitable to foster economic development in minority areas. In addition, the Business Service Centres (BSCs) -operating under the SEDMIN programme- were used to create synergy between the two programmes as they were implemented at the same time. The BSCs were established to provide a source of technical information, assistance in accessing markets and, more importantly, training in business management methods for individuals or groups of entrepreneurs. The two main components of the CIP programme were: Employment Creation Grants (ECG) - The programme provided equipment to skilled entrepreneurs in minority regions to expand their existing small businesses. The criteria for lending were established in relation to the type of business to be financed: only production and service-based businesses could receive assistance as these two types are more likely to create jobs and are more sustainable. In exchange, the beneficiary had to create at least one new job position per €5,000 worth of equipment received. Improvement of local institutions and NGOs - This aspect of the programme provided equipment to universities, schools, health centres, NGOs and other public institutions in order to develop their activities and capacities benefiting the whole community. These were centred on providing infrastructure support that will contribute to the local economic development. In addition, study tours and advisory service were retained. The advantages of the CIP programme were its combination of both financial and advisory assistance through the provision of micro-finance and business development assistance as well as supporting economic development in the local communities. Another important factor in the long-term success of the programme has been that those who benefited from the SEDMIN programme's financial support and repaid their loans on time were able to receive further assistance through the ECG component. The commitment to repay the loan showed their seriousness and trustworthiness in the development of their businesses. They were therefore targeted as key creators of employment in their community. The main achievements of the CIP programme were: 35 existing micro-businesses financed, 12 community projects supported, 104 jobs created and 271 jobs secured
As an integrated approach for direct assistance to the local unemployed population as well as the returnees, the government of Belgium has entrusted IOM with the implementation of a project aimed at the rehabilitation of the labour market. This programme aimed to improve the Kosovo labour market functioning and at the same time to secure the successful return and sustainable reintegration of the Kosovo returnees in the local labour market. EAC evaluated the local labour market needs, registered, informed and provided counselling to Kosovar unemployed during their job search in Kosovo; encouraged their “skill development” through vocational training – either in-house or by referring to other local training institutions – in order to increase their “employability”. In the post-conflict labour market, the encouragement of the self-employment activities becomes one of the major sources of employment creation. As such, EAC provided training courses on “career development”, “career-change” and “Micro-Business Planning” to unemployed Kosovars wanting to start their own business. The project was funded by Belgium
This programme was seeking to improve the socioeconomic conditions of ethnic minority communities living in isolated areas thereby contributing to their stabilisation and enabling them to build more sustainable livelihoods. The Programme provided grant assistance for business start-ups and expansions, for agricultural associations and support to larger-scale community development projects. In addition, it provided short courses in business management and development training. The cumulative number of grants supported by this EAR- funded project during the last four years was 813, out of which 648 were individual and 165 were community projects. 451 were production-based, 252 were services-based, and 30 were trade-based, while 80 covered other activities at the community level. Over 2,800 people have benefited from these projects either through permanent or temporal/seasonal employment positions. As many of the communities targeted by CSP are located in rural areas, much of the assistance has benefited rural development projects. The project is funded by the European Agency for Reconstruction (EAR
SSC Programme overall objective was to improve the social and economic conditions of minority communities through out Kosovo. The programme enhanced the necessary conditions for the retention and stabilization of minorities into the socio-economic life in Kosovo by alleviating unemployment and increasing income generating opportunities. SSC's provided financial and technical assistance to experienced and promising entrepreneurs for building up sustainable livelihoods SSC supported promising new entrepreneurs and experienced businessmen and woman to develop and submit ideas for income generating projects. The programme was implemented in 23 municipalities across Kosovo targeting vulnerable communities, including villages with high numbers of recent returns and Albanian villages in northern Kosovo to complement the EU previous stabilisation programmes throughout Kosovo. The initiative was designed to be relevant to the specific situation of resident ethnic minority communities. IOM's implementation of SSC has centred on the provision of small grants for specific, individual, income-generation projects, and support to community development projects, including psychosocial, recreational, cultural and sport projects, through financial and technical assistance. Small infrastructure projects benefiting entire communities have also been periodically undertaken demonstrating that this programme recognises the importance of community-relevant projects to improving the living conditions of the communities. Through a community development approach, which encourages the participation of the targeted in the decision making process, the SSC programme enabled people to become relevant actors in the regeneration of their community. The overall process has empowered communities to work on their own agendas to improve the quality of life and, in the long run, to build dynamic and sustainable communities based on social fairness and mutual respect. In 23 municipalities covered, the programme resulted with: 1) One baseline assessment performed 2) 248 micro-enterprises (including those in the agricultural sector) created or expanded; 3) 49 larger community development projects funded; 4) 523 (minimum monthly income of 75-100 Euro) full-time and 302 part-time or seasonal employment opportunities created or secured, all being of medium to long-term duration (one year and more); 5) 322 aspiring and current entrepreneurs attended business skills training; 6) One business fair organized; 7) One booklet compiled and published; 8) Increased trade relations; 9) Increased abilities to manage a business among beneficiaries; 10) Improved living standards; 11) Social spaces established
Contributing to the enhancement of a trans-national approach in Southeastern Europe countries to counteract trafficking in human beings, in particular women and minors, while strengthening local capacities. The assistance provided ranges from immediate support, medical care and psychological counselling to legal support and long-term re-integration assistance. - Increasing the awareness and understanding of local partners on the trafficking experience, specifically on the psychological trauma suffered by the victims and the importance of psychosocial assistance and counselling for trafficked persons. - Building local capacity by establishing a referral system of local mental and psychological professionals. - Establishing a referral system of Kosovar professionals responsible for providing legal assistance and counselling to trafficked victims. - Building the institutional capacity of the governmental authorities responsible for the criminalisation and prosecution of trafficking in human beings through targeted awareness, technical cooperation, and training activities. - Developing an in-depth and comprehensive understanding of the current scope and dimensions of the trafficking phenomenon in the Balkans and Italy.
Increasing the overall involvement of each participating country/region's Ministry of Education in the mechanisms and strategies of their respective National Counter-Trafficking Plan of Action; Establishing an information sharing mechanism between education officials of the participating countries through trans-national workshops; Building the trafficking prevention capacity within educational systems through teacher training including the development of educational materials/tools; Strengthening the counter-trafficking capacity of NGOs directly assisting school dropouts and other potential high-risk groups. The project was funded by Netherlands
This IOM programme, funded by the European Agency for Reconstruction and concluded in November successfully managed to facilitate the sustainable return to Kosovo of 40 Serbian IDP families who were displaced in Serbia and Montenegro The programme aimed at support of the sustainable return and reintegration of 40 IDPs families displaced in Serbia and Montenegro through a combination of activities including: the assessment of the IDPs; site preparation at the return locations; reconstruction of housing and community infrastructure; balancing projects for reconciling with the neighboring population; and measures to support the longer-term socio-economic reintegration of the IDPs. The project was funded by the European Agency for Reconstruction (EAR)
This IOM programme, funded by the European Agency for Reconstruction and concluded in November successfully managed to facilitate the sustainable return to Kosovo of 40 Serbian IDP families who were displaced in Serbia and Montenegro The programme aimed at support of the sustainable return and reintegration of 40 IDPs families displaced in Serbia and Montenegro through a combination of activities including: the assessment of the IDPs; site preparation at the return locations; reconstruction of housing and community infrastructure; balancing projects for reconciling with the neighboring population; and measures to support the longer-term socio-economic reintegration of the IDPs. The project was funded by the European Agency for Reconstruction (EAR)
The project implemented from September 2004 until August 2006 was designed to facilitate the voluntary return of rejected asylum seekers from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Province of Kosovo (Serbia and Montenegro), who have overstayed their time of departure and who are currently residing in the Canton of Vaud, Switzerland, as well as at supporting their sustainable reintegration in their countries of origin. The project provided direct assistance to returnees, such as referral to social and other services after arrival, housing support, grants disbursement, consultations on the project, and possibilities of training as well as secondary transportation to Prishtinë/Pristina region. The project was funded by Canton of Vaud (Switzerland)
In August 2004 housing and infrastructure reconstruction work started in villages Sigë/Siga, Brestovik and Ljevosa/Ljevoša, in the Pejë/Peæ Municipality, Kosovo assisting in the sustainable return and reintegration of 90 IDPs families displaced in Serbia and Montenegro.Until the end of 2005, 90 houses were completed 49 in Brestovik 23 in Sigë/a and 18 in Levoshë/a.The project was a combination of several activities including: the assessment of the IDPs; site preparation at the return locations; reconstruction of housing and community infrastructure; balancing projects for reconciling with the neighbouring population; and measures to support the longer-term socio-economic reintegration of the IDPs. The project income generation was one of most crucial aspect for the sustainable return.In total 79 returnee families benefited from this project component with 264 direct and 426 indirect beneficiaries. In addition, in summer of 2005 the construction of the multiethnic school was completed in village of Brestovik. The eight–room schoolhouse will serve 120 primary school-age children including pupils from two ethnic Serbian villages and the surrounding area which is comprised mostly by ethnic Albanian and ethnic Bosniak communities. The project was funded by Italy and UNMIK
CARPO was a 30-month (March 2004-September 2006) technical cooperation project aiming at strengthening police capacities of the CARDS project area (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo Montenegro, Serbia and the ”Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia”) and to develop and implement regional strategies against serious forms of crime based on the acquis of the European Union (EU) and other European standards and practices. The project consisted of two modules, module one coordinated by the CoE, focused on providing necessary tools against economic and organised crime and module two coordinated by IOM, with the specific task to enable countries to deliver efficient and sustainable training to effectively combat illegal migration, and smuggling and trafficking in human beings.
The project was jointly funded by the EC CARDS Regional Programme 2002/2003
and the Council of Europe
www.iomkosovo.org
CARPO was a 30-month (March 2004-September 2006) technical cooperation project aiming at strengthening police capacities of the CARDS project area (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo Montenegro, Serbia and the ”Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia”) and to develop and implement regional strategies against serious forms of crime based on the acquis of the European Union (EU) and other European standards and practices. The project consisted of two modules, module one coordinated by the CoE, focused on providing necessary tools against economic and organised crime and module two coordinated by IOM, with the specific task to enable countries to deliver efficient and sustainable training to effectively combat illegal migration, and smuggling and trafficking in human beings. The project was jointly funded by the EC CARDS Regional Programme 2002/2003 and the Council of Europe
The aim of this project was to establish new and developing existing mechanisms to promote the return and reintegration of irregular migrants from Albania, Kosovo province and FYR of Macedonia through fostering service provision and counselling capacities of the local NGO sectors in the areas of origin. During the implementation period of this project (November 2003 October 2005) 120 beneficiaries were assisted in cooperation with various local NGOs in Kosovo. The project offered several reintegration services such as: job brokering (benefiting 19.8% of the caseload)vocational training (8.3%) and financial support to start up small business ( 71.9 %). The project was funded by EC (High Level Working Group)
In September 2003, the Government of Italy and UNMIK's Office for Communities, Returns and Minority Affairs (OCRM) entrusted the International Organization for Migration (IOM) as the implementing partner for the "Programme on Assisted Voluntary Returns to Sigë/a, Brestovik and Ljevosa/Levoshe in the Pejë/Pec Region" due to the experience and expertise IOM gathered through the return process to Kosovo and related programmes aiming at the sustainable reintegration of returnees. The "Programme on Assisted Voluntary Returns" aimed to facilitate the sustainable return to Kosovo of 90 IDP (internally displaced persons) families, who were previously displaced in Serbia and Montenegro, through a combination of multi-sector activities at the displacement and return locations. These included the assessment and prioritisation of IDPs for their return, site preparation at the return locations, reconstruction of housing and community infrastructure, balancing projects for reconciling with the neighbouring Kosovo-Albanian population and measures to support the longer-term socio-economic reintegration of the IDPs into the local community. In August 2004, housing and infrastructure reconstruction work commenced and by October 2005, the work on all 90 houses had been completed, with 49 homes finished in Brestovik, 23 in Siga/ë, and 18 in Ljevoša/Levoshë. The project's income generation component was one of its most crucial elements. Although rebuilding returnees' homes was an essential step, their sustainable return and reintegration depended on them finding a means of supporting themselves. Most of the programme beneficiaries opted to have livestock as their income generation project. IOM supplied them with material for them to use to build their stables, and animals. Through its other income-generation projects, IOM also assisted in the establishment of 77 new small businesses, creating 79 employment positions. These positions indirectly benefited an additional 426 people who are dependants of the owners or workers. Another significant dimension to the programme was its implementation of balancing projects, which contributed, in a very concrete and tangible way, to creating the conditions that foster sustainable, long-term returns by improving the conditions of the receiving communities in returns areas. An excellent example of a successful balancing project was the construction of a new multi-ethnic school in the village of Brestovik. Work was completed on 24 August 2005 on this eight-room schoolhouse, which will benefit 120 primary school-age children, including pupils from two Serbian villages and the surrounding area, which is comprised of mostly ethnic Albanian and ethnic Bosniak communities. The following specific results are achieved through the implementation of the programme: 90 selected IDPs families (representing approximately 300 individuals) returned to their place of origin in Kosovo; 90 houses rehabilitated and connected to water and sewage system, and to electricity network; 90 households provided with assistance for self-subsistence after returning to their original communities; 77 Returnees and, where feasible, the recipient community assisted with income generation activities; 90 households enabled to access local public services, including registration, health and education; Small-scale infrastructure works implemented in the targeted areas in the interest of the resident majority community and inter-community integration activities; Improved inter-ethnic dialogue and relations within and around the return locations; 18 balancing projects successfully implemented by the SBL Programme Over 20 Inter-community reintegration projects implemented; Below is a list of the balancing projects successfully implemented by the SBL Programme Provision of a drinkable water supply -- Brestovik; Provision of a drinkable water supply: Part II -- Siga/ë Creation of a football field -- Novosellë/Novo Selo; Repair of a road -- Burnut village; Rehabilitation of high-tension power lines - From Pejë/Pec to Radac/Radavac Environmental awareness raising and garbage collection - 7 villages; Construction of sports field and other improvements to a multi-ethnic school - Brestovik Electrical connection - Ljevoša/Levoshë Support for school and renovation of a playground - Novosellë/Novo Selo; Reconstruction of home and provision of livestock for vulnerable family - Brestovik Material for housing reconstruction for vulnerable family - Vitomiricë/a; Installation of new water pipeline and sewage system -- Jabllanicë e Madhe/Velika Jablanica Installation of a water pump -- Novosellë/Novo Selo Construction of an Irrigation System -- Novosellë/Novo Selo Provision of computers for village schools -- Novosellë/Novo Selo and Jabllanicë e Vogel/Mala Jablanica Repair of primary school's roof and installation of gutters - Vitomiricë/a Rehabilitation of low -tension electrical lines - Dushkajë R E S U L T S: 90 selected IDPs families (representing approximately 300 individuals) returned to their place of origin in Kosovo; 90 houses rehabilitated and connected to water and sewage system, and to electricity network; 90 households provided with assistance for self-subsistence after returning to their original communities; 77 Returnees and, where feasible, the recipient community assisted with income generation activities; 90 households enabled to access local public services, including registration, health and education; Small-scale infrastructure works implemented in the targeted areas in the interest of the resident majority community and inter-community integration activities; Improved inter-ethnic dialogue and relations within and around the return locations; 18 balancing projects successfully implemented by the SBL Programme Over 20 Inter-community reintegration projects implemented
The overall objective of this project was to support the regional stabilisation process by creating a suitable environment for the return of minorities to their pre-war homes in Kosovo. In particular, the project aimed at supporting the return of 60 families back to the Zhupa Valley and 45 families to Pristina town and Magure village. The project supported activities related to housing reconstruction, associated infrastructure, sustainability measures and local capacity building for minority families from Kosovo, displaced in Serbia and Montenegro, FYR of Macedonia and internally in Kosovo (area of Gracanica). This EAR-funded project was implemented by three partners: the NGOs ASB (Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund) and GOAL, which implemented an integrated reconstruction intervention and IOM which implemented the sustainability / Income Generation (IG) component. The IOM RETURNS team provided assistance to beneficiaries whose houses had been rebuilt by GOAL and ASB. The community-based interventions included the assessment of the beneficiaries' skills and the subsequent development of tailor-made assistance packages, which could range from the provision of micro-funding for income generation activities, basic business skills training to apprenticeship/on-the job training. Given the high degree of vulnerability of the target group, individualised plans were developed for each beneficiary. For the purposes of this project, IOM built on its capacity, implementation structure, experience and expertise in providing financial and technical assistance. By the end of the project, all selected beneficiaries were provided assistance through grants for starting-up small business or expanding existing small enterprises. The team conducted regular monitoring visits to ensure that the goods provided to the beneficiaries were not sold, re-directed or used for other purposes than those set out in the Grant Agreement. It was also way to determine if the additional supporting measures were necessary to strengthen the intervention provided under the sustainability plan. During the 15-month implementation period, over 150 households with more than 1,200 individuals have been visited and assessed regarding their potential income generating activities. The IOM RETURNS programme team designed 128 income-generating projects in the targeted areas. All the selected beneficiaries chose a 'micro-grant' package for micro-businesses, ranging from €1,000 to €4,000. The programme supported businesses in which the beneficiaries had proven skills and past work experience. After a thorough needs assessment, the delivery of adequate equipment was provided. 85 returnee families and 43 receiving community families have benefited from the IOM RETURNS programme with 310 direct and 802 indirect beneficiaries. The IOM RETURNS programme assisted in the establishment of 89 new small businesses and the expansion of 39 existing businesses. Out of the 128 beneficiaries assisted, 227 employment positions have been created. These positions will indirectly benefit an additional 802 people who are dependants on the owners or workers. R E S U L T S: Support and return of: 60 families back to the Zhupa Valley 45 families to Pristina town and Magure village.
Through this project implemented throughout 2003-2004 IOM aimed at reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS in South Eastern Europe, targeting in particular Macedonia and Kosovo by developing jointly with the National HIV/AIDS Committees of both countries, ad hoc HIV/AIDS prevention strategies and activities targeting specific vulnerable groups among migrant and host populations. By implementing training activities in order to increase the capacity of local professionals to respond more efficiently to the epidemic, by facilitating equitable access to prevention and care services for migrant and host populations and by sharing and disseminating information promoting best practice materials in the region. The project was funded by Italy
IOM designed a tuberculosis (TB) pilot survey with a joint HIV/AIDS & TB prevention and School Health Education (SHE) programme, covering both Albanian and minority regions within Kosovo. As a result of targeted fundraising efforts, the Government of Norway has agreed to fund the prevention & SHE education component which started in 2003 and ended in 2004 involving both schools attended by ethnic Kosovo Albanian and Kosovo Serb pupils. The project was funded by Norway
The Community Stabilization Program 4.6 million Euro EAR funded project in four different phases during four years period was established to contribute to the stabilisation of vulnerable minority communities in the enclave-villages of the north, south, east, west and centre of Kosovo by enabling them to build sustainable livelihoods. The programme assisted existing or aspiring entrepreneurs, who are members of minority groups, to establish or upgrade small businesses through the provision of financial and technical assistance. In an effort to enhance the chances of enterprises' sustainability, the programme provided targeted business skills training to the entrepreneurs. While supporting small production and service enterprises in urban areas, agricultural production and related services were promoted in rural areas. In addition to supporting individual micro-enterprises, the programme implemented economic development projects pertaining to agricultural production, as well as income generation and community improvement for a larger proportion of the local population. All of these initiatives aimed to improve the living conditions and thus foster stabilisation, not only for the direct beneficiaries, but also for the targeted minority communities as a whole. The CSP programme during all four phases resulted with: 813 micro-enterprises in the target areas created or expanded through the disbursement of grants ranging between 2,000 Euro and 5,000 Euro; 80 larger community development projects funded through the disbursement of grants ranging between 10,000 Euro and 40,000 Euro; Over 2500 reasonable (minimum monthly pay of 75 Euro) full-time and 1000 part-time or seasonal employment opportunities created or secured, all being of medium to long-term durations (one year and more); Over 250 aspiring or current entrepreneurs having undergone targeted business skills training in the areas of business administration, accounting, marketing, business communications and language skills; A marked general improvement and increase in economic and social services in the regions of implementation; Increased local and regional trade relations, including across ethnic lines; A marked contribution made to improvements in the general living conditions of the target groups in the programme's areas of responsibility. R E S U L T S: 813 micro-enterprises in the target areas created or expanded through the disbursement of grants ranging between 2,000 Euro and 5,000 Euro; 80 larger community development projects funded through the disbursement of grants ranging between 10,000 Euro and 40,000 Euro; Over 2500 reasonable (minimum monthly pay of 75 Euro) full-time and 1000 part-time or seasonal employment opportunities created or secured, all being of medium to long-term durations (one year and more); Over 250 aspiring or current entrepreneurs having undergone targeted business skills training in the areas of business administration, accounting, marketing, business communications and language skills; A marked general improvement and increase in economic and social services in the regions of implementation; Increased local and regional trade relations, including across ethnic lines; A marked contribution made to improvements in the general living conditions of the target groups in the programme's areas of responsibility;
On October 1, 2002 Phase Two of the Kosovo Transition Initiative started. The purpose of the Kosovo Transition Initiative (KTI) was to continue a significant portion of the activities undertaken by KTI from August 1999 to September 2001. IOM's KTI 2, like other IOM community-based programs in post-conflict settings, has been dedicated to peace and democracy building as well as rehabilitation of basic infrastructure networks and systems in post-conflict Kosovo. The primary goal of KTI 2 has been to maximize the involvement of Kosovars and to recognize the value of participatory decision-making and the future development of democracy in Kosovo. Through its initiative, KTI 2 has encouraged political diversity, increased citizen participation in political and community affairs, promoted professionalism and transparency in media and public service institutions. Throughout Kosovo, KTI 2 has actively supported the development of a vibrant civil society, including direct support to media groups, non-governmental organizations, community improvement groups and municipal governments. The continuation of KTI 2 through a grant to IOM enables USAID Kosovo to draw upon broader IOM operational and programmatic support. KTI offices and staff help provide USAID Kosovo with an effective field-level mechanism for coordination with other donors, development agencies and beneficiaries in Kosovo. Programmatically, IOM combines the resources of USAID Kosovo and KTI 2 human resources in an innovative, symbiotic and holistic approach to community development. KTI II main programme components were: Community Infrastructure Service Project (CISP): The main focus of this project was has been to help implement the USAID the Community Infrastructure Service Project (CISP). The projects ranged from sewage systems to schools, roads, electricity, bridges and health facilities. Kosovo NGO Advocacy Program (KNAP): KTI 2 has been assisting KNAP with identifying local NGO's to participate in the KNAP program and helped monitor grants that given to these NGO's for realizing the advocacy program's objectives. For this purpose, many training sessions have been held. Court Cases Monitoring: During project implementation KTI staff has been monitoring about 300 court cases Kosovo-wide in order to provide USAID with accurate reports on how these court cases are being conducted, and any judicial and administrative problems arising in the daily proceedings. Local Government: With the start of this USAID program, KTI 2 has been assisting them by doing municipal profiles for 25 municipalities Kosovo Wide. These profiles of the municipalities has helped USAID with there new eleven million dollar municipal strengthening program. KTI 2 had six offices located throughout Kosovo including Prizren, Peja/Pec, Gijlan/Gnjilane, Ferzaj/Uroševac, Gjakova/Djakovica and Mitrovica north and south. 693 locally identified and prioritized projects (392 were local community grants including infrastructure and cultural activities; 69 projects supported local NGOs; 123 projects supported local media; 109 supported local governance) through seven field offices across Kosovo, benefiting an estimated 1.2 million Kosovars and providing over $15.2 million in assistance to Kosovo.
Psychosocial and Trauma Response in Kosovo (PTR) Following the successful training of 77 Kosovar students in Psychosocial and Trauma Response who graduated as psychosocial counsellors from Pristina University between October 2000 and October 2001 respectively (PTR Phase I), IOM established ‘Psychosocial Mobile Teams’ (PMT) in seven Kosovo municipalities where the trained counsellors started working (PTR Phase II during 2003). IOM has continued to provide supervision and extra in-service training sessions to the PMTs, which were opened to an additional 83 mental health professionals operating in May-August 2001. A three months assessment on the psychosocial needs of ethnic minorities was carried on. Therefore a new project was established focusing on direct psychological assistance to urban enclaves inhabited by ethnic minorities. Further activities included training in psychosocial awareness to other target groups, including 32 employees of KFOR, UNMIK, Police, Health Houses, local and international organisations. Training was also provided to social workers and psychosocial counsellors belonging to ethnic minorities or Kosovo Albanians working with ethnic minorities. In addition, a small-scale grant facility was established in order to support socialising, recreational and other suitable psycho-social community-based measures, particularly creative and sport activities. These took place in enclaves and were organised by multiethnic NGOs, networks or local youth groups. The project was funded by Italy, USA and Switzerland
With financial support provided by the MEDTRONIC Foundation (with the kind assistance of USAIM Office in Washington) and in cooperation with the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of Pecs/Hungary, IOM launched a four-month pilot programme (September - December 2002) with 240 hours of on-the-job training on Nursing Management in Prizren. Recognising the need to improve the quality of patient care, and in particular the quality of nursing, this train-the-trainers programme aimed to - Improve the standard of health care through improvements in the quality of nursing; - Better utilise existing human resources of the health care system; - Contribute to the empowerment of female participants in the nursing labour force. 25 nurses representing all health sectors completed the programme successfully by passing the final exam in December 2002. The Chief Nurse of Kosovo and the Principal International Health Adviser of the Prizren region judged the programme as highly professional and well targeted. They expressed their wish that the programme would continue covering additional hospitals in Kosovo. The project was funded by MEDTRONIC Foundation
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has implemented a European Agency for Reconstruction (EAR) funded programme called Support for Enterprise Development in Minority Areas (SEDMIN). This programme assisted, financially and technically, micro-enterprise development in the minority-inhabited regions of Kosovo, specifically: the northern predominantly Serbian municipalities, the Gracanica area and the Strpce municipality as well as the Gjilan/Gnjilane region and the Dragas/h municipality. The SEDMIN programme was initially built upon the successes of the IOM-implemented Micro-Grants/Credit (MGC) Programme, also funded by the EAR. Established in February 2001, this programme extended financial assistance to aspiring entrepreneurs in the minority-inhabited municipalities in northern Kosovo in the form of both grants and small loans. The SEDMIN programme expanded the geographic scale and established more economically viable conditions for these activities. The SEDMIN programme was established because small-scale entrepreneurs in Kosovo were unable to access loans from the mainstream financial institutions that provided loans only for larger-scale businesses. In post-conflict Kosovo the majority of micro-finance institutions (MFIs) that emerged were established in the majority-populated areas of Kosovo. This meant that the members of the minority communities had no access to start-up capital or loans with which to expand existing businesses. The SEDMIN programme was established to fill this gap. The programme supported existing small businesses, as well as the establishment of a number of new enterprises, by providing assistance to active and promising entrepreneurs. This was achieved by providing financial and technical assistance as well as business advisory services. A sense of financial responsibility was developed in the regions of implementation through both the loan component of the programme and the consistent efforts of the programme's staff. Community Investment Projects (CIP) was financed with funds returned through the repayment of the business loans, improving greatly the education, health and agriculture sectors within the ethnic minority communities. The positive impact that the SEDMIN programme had on the minority communities and the recognition of their needs encouraged the EAR to grant the IOM a third phase that started in September 2004. The success of the first phase was such that two more areas, the Gjilan/Gnjilane and Dragas/h areas, where members of the minorities live, were added to further support economic development. The three main components of the SEDMIN programme were: Micro-finance - The programme provided subsidised loans to existing micro and small-sized enterprises in minority communities. The criteria for lending were established in relation to the type of business to be financed: production-based businesses could receive a maximum loan of €15,000; service-based businesses €8,000; and trade-based businesses €3,000. Loans were disbursed to existing and profitable enterprises at an affordable interest rate of 4%. For start-up businesses, the maximum amount of financing was €4,000 through a grant/loan combination (60% grant, 40% interest-free loan). The terms and conditions for loan repayment provided for a two-month grace period and a one-year payment period for both existing and start-up businesses. Business service centres - These were established to provide a source of technical information, assistance in accessing markets and, more importantly, training in business management methods for individuals or groups of entrepreneurs. Community investment projects (CIP) - This aspect of the programme provided equipment to universities, schools, health centres, NGOs and other public institutions in order to develop their activities and capacities. These were centred on providing infrastructure support that will contribute to the economic development. The funds for the CIP activities came from the loan repayments from the micro-finance component. In the third phase of the programme the funds were disbursed in the form of loans and grant/loan combinations in much the same manner as they had been in the two other phases. Repaid funds were used to finance the CIP component.
The programme intended to contribute to the alleviation of unemployment and the improvement of income levels among selected minority populations and enhancing the conditions for the retention and reintegration of minorities in Kosovo by: 1. Supporting existing small enterprises and the establishment of new micro-enterprises through the extension of financial and technical assistance for minority populations in the northern Kosovo municipalities and in Gracanica, Strpce/Shterpce, Dragas/h as well as the Gjilan/Gnjilane region; 2. Increasing the viability and sustainability of enterprises, through assistance offered by the Business Service Centres (BSCs), by improving business knowledge and access to networks and resources, by creating business opportunities and by providing guidance to entrepreneurs. 3. Funding economically oriented community projects for the benefit of a larger portion of the minority community members. During the implementation (from May 2002 to September 2006) SEDMIN successfully contributed to the establishment or expansion of 401 micro-business, creating or securing more than 1 700 jobs, and benefiting more than 23,000 additional community members. The funds collected through the repayment or disbursed loans were used for the development and enhancement of local communities through the financing of 78 projects mainly in the agricultural, educational and medical sectors.Through SEDMIN`s Bussines Service Centres`(BSCs) activities,more than 1,500 participants attended 175 training sessions in various aspects of business management. The project was funded by the European Agency for Reconstruction (EAR)
As requested by the UNMIK–TREPCA management, between March and June 2002 IOM carried out the registration of workers who considered themselves as current or former employees of the ‘Trepca Mining and Metallurgical Complex’. Conducted in close cooperation with the Trepca workers Trade Unions, the registration was undertaken to assess the situation of the Trepca work force, based on the data of 9,445 personal records. The Albanian-dominated ‘Independent Trade Union of Miners of Kosovo/SPMK’ registered 5,537 workers (59% of the total caseload) through their offices in Pristina and Mitrovica, as well as mobile units. SPMK members are predominantly Kosovar Albanians, the majority of them had lost their jobs in Trepca by 1990 following a systematic policy by the Belgrade regime. The Serbian-dominated ‘United Organisation of Trepca Trade Unions Trepca/JOS’ registered a total of 3,908 persons (41% of the total caseload), through their base office in Zvecan, as well as mobile teams inside Serbia proper. JOS members were mostly Serbs who had worked in Trepca until its de-facto closure in 1999. The project was funded by UNMIK
The main focus during 2002 was to identify infrastructure projects for the Community Infrastructure Service Project (CISP). KTI 2 worked on 60 community infrastructure projects at the design stage. The projects ranged from sewage systems to schools, roads, electricity, bridges and health facilities.
KTI 2 was assisting KNAP with identifying local NGOs to participate in the KNAP programme and helped monitor grants given to these NGOs for realising the advocacy programme’s objectives. For this purpose, 14 training sessions were held.
Court Cases Monitoring
During 2002, KTI staff monitored 300 court cases Kosovo-wide in order to provide USAID with accurate reports on how these court cases are being conducted and any judicial and administrative problems arising in the daily proceedings.
The project was funded by USA
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The main focus during 2002 was to identify infrastructure projects for the Community Infrastructure Service Project (CISP). KTI 2 worked on 60 community infrastructure projects at the design stage. The projects ranged from sewage systems to schools, roads, electricity, bridges and health facilities.
During 2002, IOM Kosovo assisted in the Medical Evacuation of 30 Kosovars in need of treatment for congenital heart anomalies (19 children), reconstructive surgery, and ophthalmological and oncological requirements. While sustained efforts are ongoing to improve the medical treatment facilities within Kosovo, the need for medical evacuations is continued to be reduced through the activities of international medical teams and ongoing capacity building, structural changes and training of local health professionals in Kosovo. Since August 1999, 1,454 medical cases were registered in the IOM medical evacuation database. While 1,025 cases were approved by the MEDEVAC Committee, only 326 could be evacuated successfully, to 25 different countries. Transport was organised mainly directly from Pristina airport, providing adequate medical escorts for severe cases to their destination and host country. Treatment in the host country was mainly for congenital diseases (41%), complex injuries (24%) and malignancies (16%).
KTI 2 was assisting KNAP with identifying local NGOs to participate in the KNAP programme and helped monitor grants given to these NGOs for realising the advocacy programme’s objectives. For this purpose, 14 training sessions were held. Court Cases Monitoring During 2002, KTI staff monitored 300 court cases Kosovo-wide in order to provide USAID with accurate reports on how these court cases are being conducted and any judicial and administrative problems arising in the daily proceedings. The project was funded by USA
From March 2001 until March 2002 IOM project Micro-grants/Micro-credit (MGC) supported the establishment of new enterprises and the development of existing small and micro-enterprises through the extension of financial services, business planning and management courses to Kosovar entrepreneurs. In addition to prioritising assistance to the economically depressed northern Serbian municipalities, the MGC extended its services to selected categories deemed to be at risk such as the minority populations resident in southern Kosovo (most notably, Serbs, Romas, Ashkalis, Gorans and Egyptians), female heads of households and young women at risk of being trafficked, as well as to the population at large.
The MGC maintained a bias towards female beneficiaries, given their general exclusion from the political and economic spheres of life in Kosovo and the recognised potential of economic empowerment to increase their participation.
The project was funded by The Netherlands
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IOM project Assistance for Former Workers of the Kosovo Railway aimed to assist the Joint Administrative Structure for Kosovo (JIAS/UNMIK) in the productive reinsertion of Kosovo Railway employees into gainful employment; initially targeting a caseload of about 258 retrenched Former Kosovo Railway Workers. Out of the 595 full-time employees in the Kosovo Railways, 163 retired during the year 2001. In addition, 258 were transfer into a “reserve list”.
This list of reservists constituted the first wave of ex-railway employees who needed to be assisted within this IOM project. Therefore, IOM focused on the design and implementation of the reconversion and reintegration of these reservists-railway workers.
In February 2001, the project began registering the caseload of 258 former railway reservists at the IOM Head Office Pristina and the Sub-Offices. Out of the 258, only 152 registered, the rest did not attend to the registration for several reasons.
The registration included the completion of questionnaires and the issuance of a reintegration assistance card to each former railway employee.
The profiles of the 147 registered entered into the IOM Reintegration Database, an important tool in order to understand who and where the beneficiaries were, their reintegration needs, their expectations and in which way IOM could assist them in their reinsertion to income-generating activities.
As the average age of the target group was about 45, their reintegration in the labour market required a combination of efforts. In this sense, apart of proven counselling, referral and training services of Employment Assistance Centres / Information and Counseling Referral Services (on the Basis of the socio-demographic data on the target group) IOM worked out specially tailored training programmes, providing employment direct assistance for six months and on-the-job (re-) training.
The Direct Assistance component provided subsidies to a six-month salary to 49 of the registered who had the possibility to work as employees within a small, medium- or large-size enterprise.
The project was funded by Belgium and UK
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This programme was designed to contribute to the coordination with local partners of services to protect and assist trafficked human beings, in particular Kosovar women and children, by providing immediate assistance, protection and long-term re-integration support. Specifically programme aimed at: " Ensuring public, political and community awareness of the phenomenon of trafficking in human beings and of its incidence in Kosovar society. " Facilitating the prevention of trafficking in the area by reducing the risk of local vulnerable groups of women and children becoming entrapped in the trafficking network. " Building the institutional capacity of Kosovar governmental and non-governmental institutions to combat trafficking by creating a referral system responsible for the assistance, protection, support and reintegration of victims of trafficking (VoT) and by assisting in the development of a Kosovo wide plan of action. During the implementation period from 2001 to March 2006 this programme assisted 59 Victims of Trafficking (VoT).The assistance consisted of: Short and medium time sheltering in preparation for family reunification, or independent living (no specialized shelters); family mediation (in cooperation with CSW when concerning minors); psychological counselling/psychiatric assistance; re-integration grant/emergency grant; VOT/family/child material support; housing/rental support; access to education/education related expenses: tuition fee, transportation, books;income generation/vocational training/job placement (including for the family; i.e. cows, green houses, agricultural machinery etc); awareness raising (health, risks etc) and self empowerment; facilitation of relocation out of Kosovo for witnesses and their families; monitoring and follow up; SOP for assistance to Kosovar VOT (March 2006).
This programme was designed to contribute to the coordination with local partners of services to protect and assist trafficked human beings, in particular Kosovar women and children, by providing immediate assistance, protection and long-term re-integration support. Specifically programme aimed at:
- Ensuring public, political and community awareness of the phenomenon of trafficking in human beings and of its incidence in Kosovar society.
- Facilitating the prevention of trafficking in the area by reducing the risk of local vulnerable groups of women and children becoming entrapped in the trafficking network.
- Building the institutional capacity of Kosovar governmental and non-governmental institutions to combat trafficking by creating a referral system responsible for the assistance, protection, support and reintegration of victims of trafficking (VoT) and by assisting in the development of a Kosovo wide plan of action.
During the implementation period from 2001 to March 2006 this programme assisted 59 Victims of Trafficking (VoT).The assistance consisted of: Short and medium time sheltering in preparation for family reunification, or independent living (no specialized shelters); family mediation (in cooperation with CSW when concerning minors); psychological counselling/psychiatric assistance; re-integration grant/emergency grant; VOT/family/child material support; housing/rental support; access to education/education related expenses: tuition fee, transportation, books;income generation/vocational training/job placement (including for the family; i.e. cows, green houses, agricultural machinery etc); awareness raising (health, risks etc) and self empowerment; facilitation of relocation out of Kosovo for witnesses and their families; monitoring and follow up; SOP for assistance to Kosovar VOT (March 2006).
The project was funded by USAID
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The RKB, project that started in November 2000 and ended in December 2001 assisted 2,712 returnees. It was a two-phased assistance model, whereby the refugees were provided with both information and training activities prior to departure. They were also required to provide basic plans for the use of grants, which were disbursed in two installments, one in Brussels upon departure (60%) and the rest (40%) in Kosovo after two months of arrival.
IOM monitoring reports showed that out of the 120 beneficiaries monitored, 35% used the money in purchasing the most immediate household needs, 42% for rebuilding their houses, 9% for starting small businesses and 14% used the money for family subsistence and education purposes.
The project was funded by Belgium
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