As the new round of dialogue in Brussels approaches, and talks regarding the utilization of the dinar in Serbian communities in Kosovo are underway, the Kosovo Inclusive Network—a coalition of organizations advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities in non-majority communities—seeks to raise the attention of the public on the profound repercussions of the decision to prohibit the use of the dinar in financial transactions in Kosovo to the status of this sensitive social group.
The contentious decision made by the Central Bank and the Government of Kosovo has posed significant obstacles to accessing social benefits from the Republic of Serbia for a considerable portion of individuals with disabilities, while completely impeding part of them from exercising this entitlement. It is estimated that several thousands of recipients of disability pensions and benefits, who traditionally received their payments in cash delivered to their doorstep, have been entirely cut off from accessing social benefits, since January 2024. Moreover, an even larger number of beneficiaries of these forms of social aid are grappling with substantial delays and increased expenses in claiming their rights to material assistance, thereby exacerbating their financial vulnerability.
It’s important to remind both the public and policymakers that persons with disabilities frequently find themselves on the margins of society, grappling with existential financial risks and poverty. For many of them, social benefits serve as their primary source of income, supporting not just themselves but often their families as well. However, the inflexible policies and unilateral decisions made by the Government of Kosovo directly threaten their livelihoods, undermining their fundamental right to dignity and equal access to services as guaranteed by international conventions for persons with disabilities.
In light of these circumstances, we urge the international community to exert additional pressure on relevant Kosovar institutions to postpone the implementation of this decision until a comprehensive and functional solution is negotiated. Such a solution should ensure unhindered access to social benefits and services for all societal groups.
The press release was signed by:
NGO Center for Affirmative Social Actions (CASA),
NGO Faktor,
NGO Primo la tolleranza,
Association of Disabled Gracanica,
Handikos Ranilug