What is the goal?

► To strengthen the capacity and support the authorities to improve the implementation of the policy/legal framework related to anti-discrimination, combating hate-speech and protecting rights of LGBTI persons in line with the standards and recommendations set by the Council of Europe – especially those of the European Commission on Racism and Intolerance (ECRI). More specifically the Action will contribute in strengthening the capacities of the Office for Good Governance in the Prime Minister’s Office and Ombudsperson in regards to human rights protection mechanisms.

► Through its regional dimension the action also aims to strengthen cooperation and synergies among the Kosovo* and Western Balkans equality bodies in combating discrimination and hate speech in the region.

Who benefits from the Action?

► citizens of Kosovo*

► public authorities, including the law enforcement agencies

► education professionals

► LGBTI community, and other vulnerable social groups 

► civil society organisations engaged in promoting and protecting human rights

How will the Action work? 

► through a combination of policy and legislative support to institutions; capacity building activities; peer-to-peer exchanges with regional and European partners; conduct awareness raising campaigns and public discussions on selected anti-discrimination topics; support to civil society organisations and municipalities by small grant schemes, to enhance their capacities to tackle discrimination and reach out to the people.

► the Action builds on earlier co-operation programs in the field of anti-discrimination in Western Balkan countries, co-funded also by the European Union and the Council of Europe.

What do we expect to achieve?

► the Action will improve the implementation of anti-discrimination policies and legislation, at the central and local level (especially on protection of the rights of LGBTI persons, and on combating hate speech/hate crime).Will enhance the dialogue and cooperation between institutions and civil society organizations in promoting and protecting the human rights.

► will strengthen the awareness of citizens on their rights and mechanisms to defend them

► ultimately, the Action will contribute in achieving better protection of human rights for the citizens of Kosovo* and build a more diverse, equal and tolerant society

How much will it cost?

► The total budget of the Action is 300.000 EUR

► The budget allocated to the overall Horizontal Facility programme amounts to ca. 41 Million EUR (85% funded by the European Union, 15% by the Council of Europe)

How to get more information?

► Council of Europe, website of the Anti-discrimination Department: www.coe.int/antidiscrimination

► Social media: www.facebook.com/coeantidiscrimination  

► Horizontal Facility website: https://pjp-eu.coe.int/en/web/horizontal-facility/home 

• Betim Zllanoga, Project Officer, [email protected], +38349122677
• Marija Simić, Horizontal Facility Communication Officer, [email protected], +381 63 601 337
• Besnik Baka, Horizontal Facility Communication Officer, [email protected], +355 69 217 8430

*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence.