Press Release- Security Council Briefing
20 October 2026 – Today, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG), Peter Due, briefed the UN Security Council on Kosovo, providing an update on recent developments.
The SRSG highlighted rising tensions and frictions over inter-municipal and property-related issues, including demolitions and evictions in northern Kosovo and elsewhere, raising concerns over property rights, due process and socio-economic impacts on local communities and businesses. He also noted the stalled reintegration of Kosovo Serb judges and prosecutors, restrictions on freedom of expression, including the use of signs, symbols and languages associated with non-majority communities, and ongoing challenges of closures facing Serbia-run healthcare and education institutions and the Serbian Orthodox Church. “Taken individually, some of these developments may appear administrative or localized. Taken together, they reinforced perceptions of insecurity and unequal treatment among Kosovo Serbs, eroding trust and affecting Kosovo’s multi-ethnic character,” he said.
SRSG Due flagged the Kosovo Assembly’s approval of amendments to the Law on the Specialist Chambers and Specialist Prosecutor’s Office, limiting their power and noting the EU’s deep concern about them. “I also note that the defendants retain the right to appeal. The integrity and independence of the judicial process must be respected. Any legislative action must be fully consistent with Kosovo’s legal and international obligations,” he said.
He reiterated the call for full cooperation by the authorities in Belgrade and Pristina to hold accountable those responsible for the attacks in Banjska/Banjskë in 2023 and on the Ibër-Lepenc/Ibar Lepenac water canal in 2024. The SRSG also urged all parties to ensure that the issue of Missing Persons to be addressed in a victim-centered approach and free from politicization as 1,577 persons remain unaccounted for. “Recent excavations and identification of remains brought a measure of closure to the families concerned, while serving as a reminder of the enduring suffering of those still awaiting answers” he said.
The SRSG warmly welcomed the election of Justina Shiroka-Pula as the President of Kosovo on 6 October and was encouraged by the formation of institutions and that the political deadlock seems to have been broken, stressing that the priority now is to translate this progress into effective governance for all communities.
SRSG Due echoed the Secretary-General’s calls for renewed progress in the EU-facilitated dialogue. “I encourage both sides to engage constructively, implement agreements already reached, including the establishment of the Association/Community of Serb-majority municipalities, and to take steps that help build trust and reduce tensions”, he stated.
Highlighting UNMIK’s programmatic activities and engagement with political, religious and community leaders, as well as youth and women, SRSG Due reaffirmed UNMIK’s commitment to fostering dialogue, strengthening trust and promoting inclusive engagement across communities.
In conclusion, he underscored the importance of sustained international engagement in Kosovo and the region despite challenges elsewhere. “Our shared responsibility is to work for reconciliation and normalization, so that all communities in Kosovo can participate fully and confidently in public life, with respect for the rule of law, human rights and Kosovo's multi-ethnic character,” he concluded.
