KOMF welcomes the Government’s decision to increase child allowances, which has been documented in many countries around the world as an effective instrument in alleviating child poverty, preventing a decrease in the birth rate and increasing the well-being of children and families.

With the aim of creating a comprehensive, effective and sustainable child benefit scheme, KOMF proposes:

– Revision of the scheme of allowances for children in order to include children up to the age of 18. Currently, this scheme is not comprehensive, as it includes children up to the age of 16. The legislation in Kosovo as well as the Convention on the Rights of the Child defines the age of the child up to the age of 18. The inclusion of all children is necessary, especially considering the fact that there is currently no applicable scheme for the support of children aged 16-18 years.

– Creation of facilitating procedures for the application and benefit of child allowances for children without parental care. Currently, children without parental care do not enjoy this right and do not benefit from child allowances.

– The gradual increase of child allowances starting from the new fiscal year to ensure the well-being of children. The current amount of child benefit continues to be insufficient to meet the needs of children.

– The drafting of the legal basis for child allowances to ensure sustainability, given that currently child allowances are offered on the basis of a decision.