Inter-ethnic teams renovate religious sites in Mitrovica

Inter-ethnic teams renovate religious sites in Mitrovica

12 November 2015, Mitrovica - Religious institutions and their leaders can play an important role in avoiding tensions and promoting reconciliation.

Recognizing that there is a need for local people to be involved in peace-building activities, UNMIK is supporting two projects to renovate religious sites involving inter-ethnic teams, including community leaders.

In one project, the teams are cleaning up a Muslim cemetery in North Mitrovica and an Orthodox cemetery in the village of Svinjare/Frasher, South Mitrovica. Members of the Orthodox Kosovo Serb community are working on the Muslim cemetery in North Mitrovica, while Kosovo Albanian counterparts form the south are working on the Kosovo Serb cemetery in an abandoned village in the south.

In the second project, inter-ethnic teams are reconstructing the Gasulhane (Muslim burial facility) in North Mitrovica and the driveway of St. Sava Orthodox church in South Mitrovica.

As well as improving the condition of these religious sites, these reciprocal activities are a symbolic demonstration of respect and tolerance between the two communities.