EC has organized the conference "Access for People with Disabilities in multi-residential buildings in Prishtina", in which institutional officials, experts, activists, citizens and the media have participated.

The work and practices developed throughout the year 2022 in the two projects: "Alliance for Active Citizenship and Responsible Municipalities" and "Activation for human rights" were presented to the participants, within the framework of which this conference was organized.

EC, through these two projects, has continued its dedication and contribution to the promotion and spread of participatory urban planning methodology as well as respect for human rights, in such a way as to increase the awareness of local and central institutions for the concept of inclusiveness.

Those present at the conference also greeted Mr. Niman Hajdari - Deputy Ombudsman and Mrs. Nermin Mahmuti, Executive Director of the Community Development Fund (CDF), who thanked the organizers and participants and reiterated that this issue is very important and that more work should be done in the future to have a more inclusive country in all aspects.

During this conference, the research "Access for PWDs in multi-residential buildings in Prishtina" was published (https://bit.ly/3FFUXQy?fbclid=IwAR2A3immv3qYZ3YfihZ6SYQgPtbIs2jkI7NVifXfkb9wcQlnal3p0_ueF0Q)

by the author Rozafa Basha, which aims to highlight the architectural barriers that make it difficult or impossible to move and use collective housing facilities by people with disabilities and the elderly in the city of Prishtina.

In the discussion panel participated Mr. Xhemajl Metolli - deputy head of the Department for Spatial Planning, Construction and Housing; Mr. Afrim Maliqi-Handikos and Driton Tafallari - NGO "Developing Together".

The discussion continued with Mr. Metolli, who emphasized that we have legislation but its implementation is lacking, according to him the main problem remains the approach to implementation. Further, regarding this problem, he expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of a strategy for the implementation of these laws in practice.

Handikos' representative Mr. Maliqi emphasized that there are not enough laws in the country in accordance with the western legislation as thought by the relevant institutions. However, based on his views, he pointed out that it is not that there is a lack of awareness among our citizens compared to Western countries, but the main problem lies in the lack of action on the part of the institutions responsible for preventing and punishing constructions that are not in accordance with the legislation.

While Mr. Tafallari also shared the same thoughts with the panelists that this issue should be treated as a priority and suggested that the approach should also be included in Municipal Development Plans and Zonal Maps.

During the open discussion, participants had the opportunity to discuss and pose questions to the panelists on the research and other activities carried out by EC throughout the year.