April 2013 Trends

Deteriorated Situations

Afghanistan (p.5) Bangladesh (p.5) Central African Republic (p.2) Iraq (p.10) Lebanon (p.9) Pakistan (p.6) Venezuela (p.9)

Improved Situations

Kosovo (p.7) Serbia (p.7)

Unchanged Situations

Overview

For 2012, the project areas supported in Kosovo are based on the priorities and capacities of the Red Cross organizations in Kosovo. All Federation-supported programmes in Kosovo are aligned with and contribute to the strategic aims of the IFRCs Strategy 2020 and the priorities of the Red Cross organizations. In Kosovo, the International Federation contributes, within its agreed areas of responsibility, to the achievement of the Secretary General’s objectives set by the Governing Board in 2011.

The second stage of demining operation started in April 2013. The Russian bomb disposal technicians started working at the section “Parachin 5”. The demining operation will go on until September, during this time they are planning to clear 32 hectares.

Key Indicator for New Agreement, EU Ties

(Budapest) – The April 19 agreement between Serbia and Kosovo offers a landmark opportunity to improve human rights protection in both countries.

Lack of cooperation between Pristina and Belgrade has impeded accountability for war crimes and other serious abuses and impeded free movement. Both governments also need to do more to protect the rights of minorities, ensure full guarantees of the rule of law throughout both Serbia and Kosovo, and improve media freedom.

Though children are becoming a recognised part of migrants throughout Serbia, state protections are still minimal, according to a recent report by several NGOs.

The Children on the Move report was conducted by Atina, Grupa 484, and Fund for Open Society, three NGOs working in collaboration with Norwegian Save the Children and Save the Children for North West Balkans.

"The study was conducted between September and December 2012 and is the first such report in the region focusing on the children on the move," Aleksandra Galonja, Atina activist, told SETimes.

Despite a slowdown in refugee returns, the Kosovo government said it is working to help those who were displaced in coming home.

Kosovo's bad economy, the absence of housing assistance projects and, at times, threats of violence, have all been factors in preventing returns. But, according to Prime Minister Hashim Thaci, the government will continue to offer financial support for initiatives for the return and reintegration of the minorities.

03/21/2013 00:21 GMT

BRUSSELS, March 21, 2013 (AFP) - A deal to normalise ties between Serbia and Kosovo is close and could be sealed next month, the European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said Wednesday, following high-level talks in Brussels.

"I think we are very close to a solution on the most difficult issues," Ashton told a press conference after talks in Brussels with Serb Prime Minister Ivica Dacic and his Kosovar counterpart Hashim Thaci.

The two men will meet again on April 2 for a "conclusive meeting", Ashton added.

Want to use this map in a report or on your website? Please see the map permission page first.

See all location maps.