Coalition of NGOs for Child Protection in Kosovo – KOMF has addressed a letter to the political entities that will form the Government, requesting the establishment of the Ministry of Social Welfare.

KOMF considers that welfare and social services should be a priority and one of the main pillars of the government program, due to the importance and need for intervention in this area. Therefore, this should also be reflected in the division of ministries, specifically in the creation of a Ministry that will have in its portfolio policies and social welfare, social services, child protection, strengthening of families, etc.

Social welfare remains among the sectors most in need of intervention and investment. The latest data from the Report Card published by KOMF in 2024 show that the state of Kosovo has not prioritized and does not have sufficient policies and programs for child protection and family empowerment. On the other hand, the demands for services from citizens in need have been increasing significantly in recent years.

Therefore, KOMF calls for the prioritization of social welfare, family empowerment and child protection, through the creation of a separate Ministry for these very important areas. KOMF calls for the restoration of both the social policies and schemes sector and the social services sector within this ministry. In all practices, on behalf of the best interest of citizens in need of services and protection, social schemes serve as an instrument or measure, which is one of the forms of social services, and which, along with other forms of these services, aims to empower the individual and the family.

Data from public institutions, international agencies and non-governmental organizations indicate major problems in this area. Violence and corporal punishment of children in Kosovo continues to be practiced on a large scale. 72% of children in Kosovo are disciplined through violent forms. Kosovo continues to lack specialized services offered to address the protection of children from hazardous child labor, including children in street situations. 5% of children in Kosovo are involved in child labour. Only 10% of children with disabilities benefit from quality health and social services. Children without parental care continue to remain without child benefits and without the financial support that the government has allocated for children in recent years. Kosovo faces numerous challenges in preventing and treating child victims of narcotics abuse. In recent years, it is estimated that the total number of users has exceeded 30,000 , while children and adolescent users continue to account more and more in this numbers every year. The number of children in conflict with the law is increasing. During 2023, the number of children in conflict with the law, reported by the Kosovo Police, was 2,175 children, while the number of criminal reports of juvenile offenders received during 2023 increased by 18.00%, compared to 2022.

The State is responsible for social welfare, to ensure that all residents of the Republic of Kosovo have equal access to services without any discrimination. The State has the duty to provide social and family services based on the legislation in force and international conventions on human rights.