§ Lord Lester of Herne Hillasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they support the recommendations made by the Ombudsperson in Kosovo, Marek Antoni Nowicki, in his letter of 22 November, to the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General, Soren Jessen-Peterson, drawing attention to the living conditions which internally 76WA displaced Roma are facing in Northern Kosovo, and recommending that the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo take immediate action to assist them. [HL170]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanThe UK welcomes the letter of the Ombudsperson Institution in Kosovo to draw attention to the living conditions of Roma internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Kosovo. We are committed to supporting the efforts of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo in building a democratic, tolerant and stable Kosovo, entrenching minority rights and security and improving living conditions for all inhabitants in Kosovo. A representative from the British Office in Pristina visited the ombudsperson's office on 3 December to express our concerns at, and reiterate our support for, improving the situation of all minority communities and IDPs in Kosovo. The UK is currently funding training for local citizens and public officials in human rights. In addition, it is pursuing other projects aimed at assisting minority communities, including in Northern Kosovo.