As the youngest European country, Kosovo is still in need for support in developing an integrated child protection system to effectively prevent and respond to violations of children's rights. Terre des hommes (Tdh) actively contributes to guarantee children’s rights in the child protection and justice systems and that these systems are child-friendly and adequately equipped for them.
We advocate for and support policy and service improvement, focusing on the implementation of the Law on Child Protection and on the provision of specialised child protection services. To achieve a fully functioning system, our team trains child protection professionals to respond to the needs of children at risk. We have developed a model of specialised services for children in street situations and established the first day care centre in Kosovo for them. Together with our partners, we empower children and their families and mobilise communities to better protect children.
Migrant families run great risks on the way, at their destination or upon return to Kosovo. Tdh provides migrants, refugees and asylum seekers with psychological first aid as well as material support and counselling to improve their mental health and wellbeing. We encourage children to attend school and after-school activities. We promote the social inclusion of the most vulnerable groups, including Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities. We work on strengthening the national and transnational mechanisms of cooperation in the Balkans to identify victims and potential victims of trafficking.
The new Juvenile Justice Code in Kosovo requires the application of an integrated protection system with diversion measures for children in conflict with the law. In collaboration with institutions, we seal child protection with juvenile justice by developing administrative instructions deriving from the Juvenile Justice Code and the new Law on Child Protection for these children to enjoy their rights. Our team trains professionals who work with children in contact with the justice system and organises exchanges of knowledge and experience between Kosovo authorities and other European countries.
