CDF Human Rights Program in Kosovo 2019-2024

Human Rightivism has made substantial strides in advancing human rights and labor justice in Kosovo. Through targeted advocacy, legal reforms, and collaboration with various stakeholders, the project has laid a strong foundation for a more inclusive, equitable society promoting human dignity and the rule of law. Among all the results achieved, the following are particularly noteworthy: Enhancing Parliamentary Oversight: One key achievement was strengthening parliamentary oversight to ensure the Ombudspersons recommendations were addressed. By collaborating with Assembly members, the project produced policy briefs presented to the Human Rights Committee, which led to formal follow-ups from relevant ministries. This reinforced the government's accountability in addressing human rights issues. Support for Fabian (unexpected): A major focus of the project was the case of Fabian, an LGBTQI individual who was abducted, assaulted, and threatened with public exposure on January 19, 2024. With support from the Center for Social Group Development (CSGD), Fabian received legal representation and protective measures. When his identity was compromised in August, immediate action from CSGD and law enforcement ensured his safety and the integrity of the case. The trial concluded on January 13, 2025, with all three perpetrators convicted and sentenced to 15 years in prison. This outcome underscored the importance of timely i and more responsible institutional responses and advocacy in addressing hate crimes. Human Rightivism Conference and Advocacy: The Human Rightivism Conference in December 2024 brought together political representatives, civil society, and independent institutions, resulting in a collective commitment to uphold human rights in education, employment, and social integration, with a focus on prioritizing human dignity over political interests. The project also launched campaigns to combat anti-gender narratives and misinformation, partnering with media outlets and organizing workshops on inclusive education and anti-discrimination policies. Capacity Building for Civil Society: Enhancing the role of civil society in Kosovo by delivering tailored workshops that build their capacity to address human rights issues and advocate for justice, alongside supporting the development and institutional advancement of CSOs themselves

Project theory of change: Civil society organizations are empowered to address rights-based challenges of vulnerable and marginalized groups and play proactive role in documentation and strategic litigation for human rights. This intervention overall goal is to assist local CSOs in their work on empowering  communities, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, education or ethnic background to debate and act for democracy and respect of human rights. Specific project objectives and expected results: 1. Local CSOs contribute to poverty reduction through creation of a critical mass of citizens to challenge patriarchal and traditional customs and norms that hampers vulnerable and marginalized communities to have access to power and voice, opportunities and choice.  2. Local CSOs in partnership with Ombudsperson's Institution and independent media outlets have active role in human rights strategic litigation for non-discrimination, participation and will advocate for improved transparency and accountability of public institutions.  3. Local environmental CSOs establishes thematic coalitions with community-based initiatives to improve advocacy and lobby on environmental rights and sustainability.