Minorities in Kosovo still face acute discrimination, UN reports

The security of minorities in Kosovo continues to be a major cause for concern despite the general improvement of the situation in that province over the past year, according to a new report by the United Nations refugee agency.

The UN Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) report on the continued need for international protection states that specific problems range from acute discrimination, marginalization and restricted freedom of movement, to destruction of property and physical harassment, including grenade attacks, landmines, booby-traps, drive-by shootings and arson.

The level of risk varies according to the location or group, but is particular among members of Serb, Roma, and other minorities. By contrast, few of the vast majority of Kosovo Albanians who returned home after the 1999 crisis face protection problems.

"We stress that the return of members of these minorities from asylum countries should continue on a strictly voluntary basis," said UNHCR spokesperson Ron Redmond, during a press briefing in Geneva today. "In addition, any such voluntary returns should be carefully coordinated, and returnees provided with assistance to enable them to reintegrate properly once they are back home in Kosovo. UNHCR explicitly opposes any forced or induced return of members of these minorities to Kosovo."