UNMIK - United Nations Mission in Kosovo

📍Regional Forum Calls for Stronger Protection of Human Rights Defenders

Human rights defenders play an important role in promoting accountability, strengthening the rule of law and supporting the protection of fundamental rights.

Today, SRSG and Head of UNMIK Peter Due delivered keynote remarks at the Regional Forum of Human Rights Defenders, organized by the Youth Initiative for Human Rights - Kosovo (YIHR KS), with the support of UNMIK and in partnership with the Ombudsperson Institution.

The Forum brought together civil society representatives, activists, institutional stakeholders and regional partners from across the Western Balkans to discuss how to strengthen the protection, recognition and cooperation of human rights defenders.

“Human rights defenders play a crucial role. Through their advocacy, monitoring and engagement, they help ensure accountability, amplify the voices of the vulnerable and the marginalised, and contribute to more transparent and responsive governance.” SRSG Due said.

The Forum also provided an opportunity to discuss the implementation of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders and contribute to future human rights policy and protection frameworks in Kosovo and the region.

SRSG and Head of UNMIK Peter Due visited the MPRC - Missing Persons Resource Center today and met with family representatives of missing persons.
More than 27 years after the conflict, the families of missing persons continue to live with uncertainty and pain, with more than 1,500 persons still unaccounted for.

The meeting provided an opportunity to hear directly from them and reaffirm UNMIK’s continued commitment to supporting their right to truth, justice and dignity.
“The meaningful involvement of families in the process is key to making further progress,” SRSG Due said.

Established in March 2017 by representatives of Kosovo Albanian and Kosovo Serb families of missing persons, with UNMIK support, the Missing Persons Resource Center continues to serve as an important platform for families across communities.

Expression of Interest (EOI) Alert!

The United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) hereby invites qualified companies to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to participate in the upcoming competitive bidding exercise for the Provision of Ground Fuel and Associated Support Services to UNMIK.

Closing Date: 17 June 2026

For further details, please visit our website: https://unmik.unmissions.org/en/bids

Peace fails if it is not defended. The UN’s peacekeepers cannot do this alone. 🇺🇳

Peace fails if it is not defended. The UN’s peacekeepers cannot do this alone | Jean-Pierre Lacroix Cuts in international support threaten the work of the women and men bringing hope to the world’s most vulnerable people

🇺🇳To mark the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, SRSG Peter Due hosted representatives of the diplomatic community and international organizations at UNMIK Headquarters.

📍The event provided an opportunity to reflect on the vital role of peace operations under this year’s theme of “Invest in Peace”. An overview was also provided of UNMIK’s current work and priorities, including trust-building initiatives, and the broader efforts of the UN Kosovo Team

🤝UNMIK extends its appreciation to the international community for its continued partnership and support in advancing peace, stability, trust-building and dialogue in Kosovo.

🔗The Human Rights Network presented its seventh annual Civil Society Report on Human Rights in Kosovo last week, developed with input from 42 civil society organizations and supported by UNMIK.

Covering the human rights situation in 2025, the report outlines key findings and recommendations for institutions across civil and political rights; economic, social and cultural rights; the rights of children, youth, persons with disabilities, non-majority communities, LGBTIQ+ persons and people on the move; as well as transitional justice, environmental rights, equality and non-discrimination.

At the launch, participants also discussed pressing concerns, including media freedom, socio-economic rights, barriers faced by persons with disabilities, discrimination affecting Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities, and the need to further strengthen protection from gender-based violence, including through stronger legal recognition of femicide.

UNMIK remains committed to supporting civil society efforts that help turn evidence into action, strengthen dialogue and advance the protection of human rights for all.

Access the report here:https://humanrightsnetwork.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/01-Raport-CSOs-Report-on-Human-Rights-2025-ENG-01.pdf