Pristina, December 9, 2024
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, attended the event “The Rhythm of Equality” in support of marginalized groups in Kosovo, organized by Elvana Shala, the Goodwill Ambassador for Kosovo, on the eve of International Human Rights Day.
On this occasion, Prime Minister Kurti stated that equality is essential for a healthy democracy, where equality is both a starting point and an objective. Ensuring and advancing human rights, without distinction, is not only a fundamental issue in itself but also a driving force for more successful societies.
For equal opportunities, without distinction, we have provided on-the-job training and employment support for 239 persons with disabilities, 120 of whom are women and girls. For the first time, we have made it possible to register Social Enterprises, which employ individuals from vulnerable categories of society,” stated the Prime Minister.
Thereupon, he emphasized that with the provision of free public higher education, over 173 thousand students have been exempted from fees since the year 2021. In the pursuit of inclusivity and equality in education, 70 scholarships have been allocated for students with disabilities.
The Prime Minister emphasized that 339 assistants have been engaged for children with special needs, while we have allocated the budget for municipalities to employ 500 assistants.
At the conclusion of his speech, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude to everyone for their work and dedication to human rights, for the progressive and positive change of our society and state, and added that in the new year 2025, let us increase our efforts for a future with greater opportunities for each and every one.
Prime Minister Kurti’s full speech:
Honorable Ms. Saranda Bogujevci, Deputy Speaker of the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo
Honorable Ms. Elvana Shala, goodwill ambassador for Kosovo,
Honorable Mr. Perparim Rama, Mayor of the Municipality of Pristina,
Honorable representatives of the government cabinet,
Colleagues from the executive branch and members of the Assembly of the Republic.
Honorable Excellencies, ambassadors, and fellow diplomats,
Representatives of civil society organizations, local institutions, and international ones,
Honorable human rights activists,
Honorable attendees, sisters and brothers,
Ladies and gentleman,
Good evening and welcome to this very special event, which has brought us together to convey the message that: equality is a right that is both undeniable and irreplaceable.
Equality is essential for maintaining a healthy democracy. Equality as a starting point and goal, this is our conviction. The guarantee and advancement of human rights, without distinction, is not only a fundamental issue in itself, but also a driving force for more successful societies. Human rights are both rights and benefits. A just society is built on the foundations of inclusivity, support, assistance, sympathy, and empathy.
On this date, between the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and the International Human Rights Day, this event reminds us that beyond our differences, we share a universal desire: to live with dignity.
This evening is more than a cultural event – it is a commitment and a promise to a society where every individual, regardless of background or identity, enjoys the full rights to pursue their dreams.
We all bear the responsibility to ensure that this message does not remain confined within the walls of this room, but is widely disseminated throughout every space of our society at all times.
Honorable attendees,
Such activities serve to alter our sensitivities and perspectives. They enable the recognition and honoring of the talents of individuals with special needs, as valued members of our society.
Beyond the artistic aspect, this evening contributes to the growing awareness, which we must translate into an increase in collective action. If we are members of the same society, which we certainly are, then we demonstrate this precisely through solidarity with one another by participating without exception.
This organization is also an opportunity to reflect on our progress and to emphasize the need to do more.
For equal opportunities, without discrimination, we have provided on-the-job training and employment support for 239 persons with disabilities, 120 of whom are women and girls. For the first time, we made it possible to register Social Enterprises, which employ individuals from vulnerable categories of society.
With public higher education made free, over 173 thousand students have been exempted from fees since 2021, and with the aim of inclusivity and equality in education, we have allocated 70 scholarships for students with disabilities.
We have engaged an additional 339 assistants for children with special needs, and we have allocated the budget for municipalities to employ 500 assistants.
While we invest in education for all, we must not leave anyone behind. Furthermore, we must understand that it is not only our duty to teach others and those who are different, but also to learn from them. We perceive our social progress as closely linked to the continuous advancement of our citizens without distinction, and to achieve this, opportunities must be made accessible to everyone.
For more opportunities for local and international sports activities, the Paralympic Committee and Special Olympics, for the first time, enjoy dignified state support.
In the past 10 years, basic pensions in Kosovo have been increased a total of three times. Twice by them over the past three years. Initially in 2021, we ensured that there are no pensions below the value of 100 euros, while this year we secured a budget to increase pensions by 20%. From the month of October, beneficiaries of disability pension schemes and those with disabilities have received this pension with an increase of 20%.
Our actions, for well-being in the present, are also an investment for the future. When we remove barriers through educational policies and social protection schemes, the effect extends not only to individuals but also to families and communities, benefiting us all. Because we cannot be somewhat well and very well in society when some are not well, and those few, regardless of how many they are, must be well so that our entire society may have both internal cohesion and, at the same time, a bright future.
As the Government of the Republic of Kosovo, we are committed to advancing human rights in our country and ensuring their full respect.
Human rights unite equality and universality. In a spirit of partnership between the Government, civil society organizations, and human rights activists, we continue to engage in open discussion and collaboration for equality and dignity.
I express my gratitude to everyone for your work and dedication to human rights, for the progressive and positive transformation of our society and state, and in the new year 2025, let us intensify our efforts for a future with greater opportunities for each and every one.
Thank you.
Last modified: December 11, 2024