The Kosovo Law Institute (IKD), with the support of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands through the Human Rights-Funds, has successfully concluded the project “Strengthening the Position of Journalists and LGBTIQ People in Kosovo,” delivering meaningful legal support, institutional engagement, and strengthened protection mechanisms for two of the most vulnerable groups in Kosovo’s democratic framework. 

Throughout the implementation period, the project has contributed to improving access to justice, empowering rights holders, and enhancing accountability within Kosovo’s justice and public institutional system. Through targeted legal representation, awareness initiatives, and continuous advocacy, the project provided direct assistance to journalists and LGBTIQ persons facing legal challenges, discrimination, and rights violations. As part of the project’s achievements, IKD successfully represented journalists in several court proceedings, resulting in concrete positive outcomes and court victories which contributed to the protection of their professional integrity and freedom of expression.

High-Level Institutional Dialogue and Public Awareness - a key milestone of the project included the organization of a public roundtable marking the presentation of the report “Legal Challenges of LGBTIQ Persons and Journalists in Kosovo.” The event brought together key institutional and civil society stakeholders, including representatives of the judiciary, prosecution, media community, civil society organizations, and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Participants emphasized the importance of strengthening legal safeguards, increasing institutional responsiveness, addressing existing legal gaps, and enhancing public awareness to ensure better protection for both communities. Key insights and impact through research, monitoring, legal support, and public advocacy, the project identified key challenges while also demonstrating areas of progress: 
- Journalists received legal support and protection, strengthening their ability to work safely and independently.
- Cases involving LGBTIQ persons received timelier judicial attention, although stricter sanctioning policies remain necessary.
- Persistent gaps were identified in the legal recognition of same-sex partnerships, inheritance and property rights, pension rights, and legal gender recognition procedures.
- The project contributed to increased public and institutional awareness, encouraging dialogue and accountability in addressing hate speech, threats, and discrimination.
- Free legal aid proved to be a crucial mechanism for ensuring access to justice for affected individuals. 

Recognition of Partnership and Continued Commitment is commendable for IKD’s work. The project provided a meaningful contribution toward strengthening human rights, rule of law, and democratic resilience in Kosovo. As IKD’s Executive Director, Ehat Miftaraj, emphasized that the project not only documented challenges but also delivered practical support and real impact, reaffirming IKD’s commitment to defending fundamental freedoms and equal rights. 

This project reaffirmed that protecting journalists and the LGBTIQ community is essential for a democratic, inclusive, and rights-respecting Kosovo. IKD remains committed to continuing its efforts to advocate for stronger legal protections, institutional responsibility, and a society where every individual enjoys equal rights and dignity.