New episode of the TV Show Sporazoom which is aired this Wednesday, deals with the fall of the Government lead by Albin Kurti that took place during the Corona virus pandemia.

Public Statement: Returning RTV Mir from Leposavić to the Air 

In the midst of the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Western Balkan Region has strived to adopt a strategy that can adequately control the spread of the virus and thereby maintain the stability and functioning of existing healthcare systems. The Kosovo Government’s main priority in the fight against this virus should be the establishment of clear principles of crisis management that would protect the population from an epidemic of even greater proportions. However, as the risk of the further spread of the virus grows greater by the day, a shared approach and cooperation, rather than division, becomes ever more necessary in the suppression of this pandemic. Still, in the complex circumstances that reign in Kosovo and in the absence of translations of official statements and press releases issued by the Kosovo Government that reach Serb community only very late, COVID-19 seems at times to be a uni, rather than pan-national virus. Furthermore, important information about the virus sent by mobile networks are delivered to users exclusively in the Albanian language. Lack of clarity in terms of decisions regarding entry into and exit from Kosovo, recognition of personal documents, the isolation and quarantine of individuals entering into Kosovo, movement around Kosovo itself, have all created additional confusion in Kosovo Serb communities. Due to these numerous ambiguities, hospitals’ and pharmacies’ supplies of protective gear, such as masks, gloves and disinfectants have been very nearly depleted, something that significantly raises the level of risk that local residents are faced with. In light of minimal and in many cases, non-existent cooperation between the Ministry of Health of Kosovo and healthcare providers in Serb-majority areas, it is questionable whether or not we are in any way prepared to respond adequately to the emergence of a pandemic.

In accordance with the recommendations issued by relevant authorities concerning the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, NGO Aktiv has made a decision to temporarily close its offices from the 16^th of March until further notice.  NGO Aktiv staff will continue to work online from home.

Transparency and accountability of public institutions is one of the key prerequisites for the functioning of a democratic state and society.  Transparency of public institutions has a direct effect on the way how governance works and consequently improves the lives of citizens. In addition, institutional transparency mediates in the relations between citizens and institutions, enabling marginalized groups to participate in decision-making. At the same time, it ensures the establishment of more sustainable and inclusive policies.

Municipal Transparency Index 2019 was presented today in Pristina, in the Hotel Emerald, a research conducted by Kosova Democratic Institute and NGO Aktiv, which aim is to to acquaint the public with the level of transparent work of 38 Kosovo municipalities during last year.

On 27^th of February NGO Aktiv presented a policy paper Assessment of rights and freedom in Kosovo Serb communities in Pristina, which was published with the support of International Olof Palme Center. The aim of this paper is to give an overview of some of the more pressing issues and problems that face the Kosovo Serb community for the attention of local political actors in Kosovo, as well as members of the international community.