Support to sustainable return and reintegration of IDPs to Kosovo

With 210.000 registered IDPs in Serbia, around 24.500 IDPs have returned to Kosovo*. Since the Declaration of Independence by Kosovo* in 2008, the number of returns has been decreasing. The main constraints faced by potential returnees are: a) Property repossession/reconstruction needs, b) Lack of employment opportunities and c) Unstable security situation. Additionally, it is a fact that potential returnees need to be better informed on the possibilities for return and through a joint approach by all stakeholders enable the return of IDP families who chose so. ASB has implemented the IPA 2009 return project, where jointly with the relevant stakeholders preconditions were created for an organised return of 147 families and the basis was laid for their sustainable reintegration.

ASB believes an organised approach needs to continue in future in order to enable the sustainable return of families to strengthened communities, especially in light of the recent negotiations, which could trigger new returns to Kosovo*. In light of this, ASB has signed a new grant contract with the Delegation of the European Union to Serbia in support of sustainable return and reintegration of Internally Displaced Persons from Kosovo currently residing in Serbia back into their municipalities of origin.

The project has started in February 2014 and will be implemented until January 2016. During this period ASB, in cooperation with its project partner, the local NGO “Sveti Nikola” and the beneficiary institution for the action, The Serbian Office for Kosovo and Metohija, will aim at supporting the direct return of over 110 families to their areas of origin and support the strengthening of up to 10 return communities in Kosovo though capacity building and income generating business start-up activities.

The total budget of the action is € 1,187,230.38, out of which € 1,104,000.00 will be provided by the EU and € 83,230.38 by ASB. This project is a continuation of EU and ASB efforts to adequately support the return process to Kosovo through tailor-made actions aiming at the sustainable reintegration of the families in their municipalities of origin.