Caroline Ziade, Special Representative of the UN Chief of Mission for Kosovo and Head of the UN Interim Administration in Kosovo (UNMIK). INTERVIEW | UN Mission Chief in Kosovo: “We are committed to laying a solid foundation for a common future in the Balkans” Peace and Security
Little progress has been made in implementing the European Union-facilitated agreements between Belgrade and Pristina in recent months. Kosovo authorities have taken a number of actions that affect the daily lives of Kosovo Serbs, according to the latest UN report. The United Nations Mission in Kosovo, which numbers around 350 people, is trying to do everything it can to build bridges between the two communities. Caroline Ziade, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Kosovo and head of the UN Interim Administration in Kosovo (UNMIK), spoke about these efforts in an interview with UN News Service’s Evgeniya Kleshcheva.
UN News Service: You recently addressed the UN Security Council, emphasizing the parties’ desire for constructive dialogue and peaceful relations despite the volatile situation on the ground. What are the main obstacles the UN faces in its efforts to maintain peaceful coexistence in the region??
Caroline Ziade: Indeed, I briefed the Council and you heard different points of view from the parties. To answer your question, we need to look at the situation from the UN perspective. Any political or peacekeeping mission faces many challenges when trying to facilitate a peaceful settlement.
These challenges are multifaceted. First of all, there is no communication, people are divided. Divisive narratives and hate speech lead us to populism and nationalism. In a multi-ethnic society where the situation is complex, the “other” must be part of the process, not an enemy or an adversary. He or she must be involved in the process, and there must be mutual understanding and acceptance.
This is what we do at the UN – we encourage people to engage in common conversations across differences, discuss common challenges and find shared solutions for a common future.
UN News Service: How the UN works with communities and organizations to build trust and increase transparency?
Caroline Ziade: Last year, we marked the fifth anniversary of the trust-based, people-centred approach; this year marks the sixth anniversary. The mission works with the people and for the people, interacting with opinion leaders, NGOs and other partners.
Our priorities are defined by our mandate, which has been in force since 1999. In doing so, we highlight the priority areas: intercommunity dialogue and interethnic interaction. We work with people to strengthen trust between communities and between communities and institutions.
We focus on human rights and strengthen institutions working on human rights, the rule of law, and the safety of women and youth.
For example, in 2023, we supported a joint initiative of Kosovo Albanians and Kosovo Serbs called Barabar. In both languages, the word barabar means “justice and equality for all.” Over the past year and a half, Barabar has hosted more than 150 multi-ethnic events, ranging from cultural events to those focused on justice for missing persons, women’s safety, and reconciliation.
We need to ensure that people can calmly perceive their past, without being immersed in it, but with the intention of working on the present for a better future. That is why our program activities include the creation of safe spaces such as the Barabar Center.
We also have over 250 confidence-building projects underway with our partners to empower women, youth, protect the environment, combat disinformation and build unity.
UN News Service: How missions strengthen human rights protection?
Caroline Ziade: There can be no sustainable peace without strengthening institutions and monitoring human rights. This is what we do, working with institutions at the central and local levels.
We introduce a culture of human rights and international standards, and we monitor, analyze and share best practices with them. This applies to all areas: people with disabilities, missing persons, and so on.
In a multi-ethnic society, it is necessary to strengthen the right to language, the rights of minorities. There is a well-developed legal framework, but there is a lack of comprehensive implementation so that everyone feels protected and is constructively involved.
We are also working with universities on a program on human rights and international law. This is very important because it is the basis of a culture of peace.
UN News Service: What measures are in place to prevent and resolve tensions and crises?
Caroline Ziade: We always try to be proactive in order to prevent escalation. When a crisis occurs, we work with communities and institutions. As the Special Representative, I engage with our partners, whether in Pristina or Belgrade.
We rely heavily on our partners – NGOs, civil society, academia, think tanks and the media – because they shape public opinion. So it’s critical to help them communicate positive messages.
We monitor, analyse and report. We collect information to understand what’s happening. Then, through our analysis, we make predictions and engage with our partners. This requires a well-coordinated mechanism between all the organizations. First of all, to have a full understanding of the situation. Secondly, to develop a mechanism to prevent escalation. We can use our office, dialogues and round tables, informal conversations.
We also convey the concerns of the people to the global community, as I did in the Security Council, stressing that support and a unified approach are essential for the local populations.
UN News Service: What future steps and projects are planned to continue efforts to consolidate peace?
Caroline Ziade: Resolution 1325 is an important milestone in celebrating the role of women in peace and security, and this year marks the 24th anniversary of its adoption. We are actively working on this topic, including preparing for the celebration of March 8 and holding an open day, when we gather our partners to share experiences and discuss progress in supporting women, including those who have experienced domestic violence, and their active participation in society. We also hold an important initiative every year, “16 Days of Activism.”
We also continue to support the Barabar Centre and one of our important initiatives will be the 7th Youth Assembly. We invite young people from all over Kosovo, as well as participants from neighbouring countries. This is a unique opportunity for them to get to know each other, work on common projects, receive grants and find solutions for the future.
At the political level, we continue to prepare the next report to the Security Council, which is planned to be presented in six months. We hope that by then we will be able to report on positive developments in the region.
The UN Mission in Kosovo has an excellent team, including in the regional office in North Mitrovica, covering four municipalities in the north, and in the office covering 34 municipalities in the south. It is very important to continue efforts to bring communities closer together. We follow a bottom-up approach, while closely following the EU-facilitated dialogue. We need to keep the population engaged in EU-supported political processes and in everyday life in the spirit of “us” rather than “us and them.”
The Barabar Centre is a great example. We are working to expand it, not only in Pristina but throughout Kosovo. If we can overcome the past and focus on common goals such as human rights, the rule of law, and the safety of women and young people, we can lay a solid foundation for the future in the Balkans.