Reintegration

2017

In Kosovo (S/RES/1244(1999)), protection monitoring covered a total of 976 families (3171 individuals) recorded as returnees in 31 municipalities. During the monitoring exercise, 60 per cent of the returnees were present whereas 22 per cent were not present but there were clear indications of their temporary absence which confirms difficulties returnees are facing in terms of sustainable reintegration. For the remaining 18 per cent there are clear indications that they have departed place of origin. The percentage of returnees who received complete harmonised return package is 35 per cent, whereas, those that received only partial assistance including housing only is 46 per cent. The remaining 19 per cent have never received any assistance. Municipal Officers for Returns are operational but still weak and not able to trace spontaneous returnees, register returnees and monitor displacement and returns situation. With the introduction and establishment of the case management database the institutions will gradually take the responsibility on protection monitoring, identifying protection concerns and actively take response measures. UNHCR and its IPs will built capacities on protection monitoring through on job trainings. Return sustainability appears to significantly depend on returnees abilities for reintegration, namely generating incomes/employment. Current income generating projects targeting individual households showed not to be sufficiently effective. In order to increase capability of the returnees for self-sustainment UNHCR will strengthen its cooperation with development actors advocating for inclusion of returnees into their programmes. The office will also secure the engagement of UN Agencies (UNKT) and other relevant actors, with focus on socio-economic aspects and livelihoods. Specific attention will be put on closure of collective centres and inclusion of the residents into development programmes.