To mark International Human Rights Day, UNMIK implementing partner HANDIKOS, an NGO that provides services for and advocacy work on behalf of people with disabilities in Kosovo, is holding an exhibition of handicraft and art created by children with disabilities and their parents, depicting the participants’ daily joys and struggles, under this year’s Human Rights theme “Equality”.

It’s a particularly special occasion for HANDIKOS, says spokeswoman Kaltrina Misini – following the authorities’ declaration of 2022 as the Year of Persons with Disabilities in Kosovo.

Visiting the exhibition at HANDIKOS on 10 December, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General Barrie Freeman, and UNMIK’s Chief Human Rights Officer, Jerome Bouyjou, applauded HANDIKOS’s work. DSRSG Freeman noted the importance of raising awareness about the rights of people with disabilities alongside efforts to promote inclusive approaches to their full integration in society.

UNMIK supports the work of HANDIKOS, which provides a range of services to both children and adults with disabilities, as well as their entire families. This includes providing assistive equipment, psychological, occupational, and physical therapy, recreational activities, and support for those seeking employment, among many other services. 

UNMIK is also currently working with HANDIKOS to assess the needs of people with disabilities and prepare recommendations for Kosovo to integrate the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities into legal frameworks.

“For us,” said Occupational Therapist Arlinda Canolli, “the main approach is always the human rights of our participants.”