KOSOVO: Project against Homophobia and Transphobia (Twinning)

Main aims:

The project aimed at tackling homophobia and transphobia as one face of discrimination that weakens every society’s core values: equality and the protection of human dignity and human rights. On the path to an inclusive society, it is crucial to have anti-discrimination legislation amended, policies implemented and the awareness raised among relevant stakeholders who hold the power to change society and foster social cohesion. All activities were seeking to strengthen the professional attitude of relevant stakeholders and authorities in acknowledging that humans are normally different.

Main activities in a nutshell:

• Providing analysis and recommendations to overcome gaps in the anti-discrimination legislation and institutional structures regarding the grounds of sexual orientation and identity.
• Supporting the development of a permanent, neutral and independent monitoring and evaluation system regarding respect, protection and promotion of equal treatment of LGBTI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex) persons.
• Capacity-building for Kosovar authorities: fostering professional standards in dealing with a diverse society and especially LGBTI persons.
• Trainings on awareness raising for professionals to strengthen their knowledge and skills in promoting anti-discrimination and equal treatment within their professional peer group (administration, judiciary, police, education)
• Sharing knowledge, experience and creating a communication strategy tailored to the needs as found in Kosovo. Involving journalists and media representatives in the quest for the use of inclusive language in Kosovo media especially concerning LGBTI issues.
• Improving access for the LGBTI community to legal and psychological counselling in partnership with civil society partners.
• Supporting the strategic work of the national Advisory and Coordination Group for the Rights of the LGBTI Community to support an active, fruitful, partnership-oriented and sustainable network of government, civil society, the international community and regional stakeholders.

The official kick-off event was held in Pristina on 15 May 2014.

For more information on the implemented train-the-trainers programme for Kosovo Equality Trainers, please see the article on the certification event on 25 October 2015.

Along with the presentation of an Exit Strategy containing also recommendations for follow-up measures, project implementation concluded with the official final event in Pristina on 1 April 2016.

You can download the project flyer (in English, Albanian and Serbian) as well as the published project outputs (in English; Albanian and Serbian versions available upon request) from the attachment below.