UNMIK briefing spotlights minority concerns, policing and media freedom in Kosovo

Mr. Diarra told the Security Council that Kosovo’s civic space remains dynamic but that members of non-majority communities continue to raise concerns about equality, non-discrimination and access to justice and services. He said municipal leaders in the north reported "incomplete handovers, administrative gaps, and language barriers" that limit municipal responsiveness.

On policing, he welcomed efforts by the Kosovo Police to revitalize community policing in northern Kosovo, stating that such measures "can contribute to strengthen trust and enhance public safety." He also stressed the importance of police institutions reflecting community diversity "also at senior levels." These remarks framed policing reforms as part of a broader trust-building agenda.

Mr. Diarra emphasized the need to safeguard independent journalism, saying, "We trust that attacks against journalists are promptly investigated and prosecuted." He framed stronger accountability as contributing to media freedom and to preventing erosion of the information space in Kosovo.

He noted progress on language rights, welcomed steps to strengthen the use of official languages in judicial proceedings, and pointed to the advertisement of the language commissioner post, vacant for over a year, as a step toward inclusion. The briefing cited specific community-focused initiatives — including the Barbara Center in Pristina, a mobile laboratory reaching rural areas, and youth cultural programs — as positive examples of engagement.

The Council acknowledged the briefing and moved to its next item.