Background

  

 

Kosovo

DRC has operated continuously in Kosovo since 1998, only interrupted for a few months due to the NATO bombings. Initially the assistance implemented by DRC focused on emergency aid, but was soon extended to logistics support, transport, shelter and reconstruction activities, income generating activities and social rehabilitation of IDPs, returnees and affected populations. DRC has rehabilitated around 5000 private houses during the past years in the areas of northern and western Kosovo.

From 2003, DRC has focused increasingly on minority returns to Kosovo, a programme priority which has been developed in close cooperation with DRC Serbia & Montenegro. Since that time, the returns-related portfolio has been supplemented by additional projects with a focus on economic development, strengthening civil society organizations and psychosocial aspects of mental health services provided in Kosovo. DRC is also engaged in mandatory returns from Western Europe. DRC remains a member of the NGO Returns Coordination Group, and sits on the Consulting Board for ProPeace Platform, an association of local NGOs with a peace building mandate.

DRC is presently operating in Kosovo from the field offices in Peja/Pec, Mitrovica/ë, and Priština/Prishtinë, and the logistics centre in Milosheve/o. The 56 local staff and one international staff implementing the current 8 projects throughout Kosovo are supported by a central support unit based in Priština/Prishtinë.

To increase the efficiency and to use resources more effectively, DRC implements a regional strategy in the Western Balkans. Within this strategy DRC country offices are much more linked to each other and a variety of procedures, implementation strategies and policies are harmonized.

Important partners and donors for DRC in Kosovo:

• UNHCR

• Danish MFA (ENR)

• SIDA

• IRISH AID (DCI)

• The US State Department Bureau for Populations, Refugees and Migrants (BPRM)

• Kosovo Ministry of Communities and Returns (MCR)

• European Commission Liaison Office to Kosovo (ECLO)
  
  -before                                                                                            -after