All posts by : IDM Albania

Our cooperating partner Roma Versitas Kosovo presents “Cybersecurity for human safety” which refers to the measures and practices implemented to protect individuals and their well-being in the digital world.  This includes protecting personal data, preventing unauthorized access to systems, and mitigating potential risks and harm that may arise from cyber-attacks.

When addressing the communities and youth in Kosovo, it becomes evident that over 18,000 diverse issues have been reported related to the misuse of social networks, leading to legal problems. Among these issues, arrests have been made for the dissemination of false and hateful materials, unauthorized photos, fraud, and pornographic content. Acts of violence through messages and posts have also been reported, emphasizing the urgent need for protective measures.

Adriana Gashi, investigative journalist shares her perspective: “I use social networks extensively in my daily work. They have been essential in helping me discern family connections and potential instances of nepotism within political parties. I think, children are at risk on the internet due to various potential dangers and threats present in the online environment. These risks may include exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, online predators, identity theft, and other harmful activities. The statistics are alarming, as they engage in meetings with unfamiliar individuals.”

In the legal field, lawer Labinot Vata, draws attention to the crucial importance of reporting false information circulating on social networks to the police. He added that despite being an integral part of these platforms, minorities often refrain from reporting.

Tanzer Abazi, a cybersecurity expert, provides insights into the complexities of the internet: “The internet is a jungle of cyber viruses. There are key elements for protection like adopting a ‘zero trust’ approach, meaning not trusting any entity on the internet, ensuring regular updates of applications and lastly following principles, and procedures.”

Mihane Fetahu, psychologist points out that parents need to foster an environment where children feel comfortable discussing their online experiences. Setting age-appropriate boundaries, monitoring online activities, and using parental controls are crucial steps in guiding their internet usage.

Avni Mustafa from Roma Versitas Kosovo stated that there is a notable concern within the Roma community as they seem to limit their online presence only to Facebook, largely excluding themselves from the broader internet.

In conclusion, as the digital landscape expands, the stories from Kosovo illustrate the immediate need for awareness, education, and collaborative efforts to ensure the safe navigation of the cyber world, particularly for the youth and diverse communities.

Check out the video here: “Cybersecurity for human safety”

Floods pose a significant threat to the territory of Kosovo, and their occurrence is often exacerbated by human factors such as negligence and unauthorized construction of buildings around rivers and mountain streams. In recognition of these challenges, our cooperating partner Advocacy Center for Democratic Culture has taken several initiatives through the project “Promoting the rights and role of citizens through reducing the risk of natural disasters,” to create an impact by raising awareness and fostering social cohesion among community members. Utilizing the power of online platforms, a series of impactful posters served as visual aids, outlining various human factors contributing to the risk of flooding. The campaign was designed to inform and engage the community, highlighting the critical link between human activities and the rising threat of natural disasters, specifically flooding.

In what ways do human factors contribute to the occurrence of floods?

Human negligence, from improper waste disposal to inadequate land management practices, greatly contributes to the occurrence and intensity of floods. Deforestation around rivers and mountain streams leads to soil erosion, which directly increases the risk of floods. As forests are cleared, the natural protective layers that mitigate floods are also lost. Furthermore, the disrupted balance of flora and fauna further destabilizes the natural environment, increasing the risk of floods.  Unauthorized construction near rivers and mountain streams poses a serious threat to flood prevention efforts. Such construction can lead to changes in river flow and the destruction of natural floodplains and protective barriers. Illegal waste dumping, including hazardous materials, also poses a significant threat to flood prevention efforts. When waste, especially near rivers, is not properly managed or recycled, it disrupts the natural balance of ecosystems. Recognizing and addressing human factors contributing to floods in our region is crucial for effective prevention, emphasizing the significance of understanding our role in exacerbating flooding.

In this regard, the project involved the strategic development of a local plan. It was designed to bring together all stakeholders within the Municipality of North Mitrovica, including non-governmental organizations, residents from diverse multi-ethnic neighborhoods, and representatives from various sectors. It was specifically tailored to minimize the risks associated with flooding and to ensure an efficient response in times of crisis.  Beginning with an introductory overview, it navigates through the legal framework and thoroughly analyzes the geographical position, topography, geology, hydrogeology, water resources, climate, air temperature, precipitation, humidity, solar radiation, wind patterns, and natural hazards. Further, it evaluates flood risk, scrutinizes the intensity, types, and impacts of various natural disasters, and identifies strategic objectives for mitigating flood risks in the Municipality of North Mitrovica. Concluding with insights into local strategy implementation and action plan development, this document provides a comprehensive overview of environmental challenges and responses in this area.

Lastly, a billboard was strategically placed across North Mitrovica. Featuring the slogan “Towards a cleaner and safer future: Let’s prevent floods together,” and served as a visual reminder of our collective responsibility in combating the risks of flooding. By raising awareness, strengthening regulations, and promoting individual responsibility, we can make significant strides in flood prevention. Only through collective action can we secure a safer and more resilient future.

You can find below the brochure and local plan on floods prevention: 

Brochure- Floods prevention

Local plan for flood prevention

Our cooperating partner Kosovo Glocal, presents their latest piece, ‘Getting by in Gorazdevac,’ a longform reportage detailing the everyday life of the Serbian community residing in this village.

Spending weeks in Gorazdevac, just outside Peja, the author Ilir Gashi learned about the patterns of life in this sleepy village where the square is usually empty, as people flock to the other side of the main street where most of the village’s informal institutions are located. There you will find two small village stores, one opposite the other, where locals drink their beer; a small bus stop with a wooden bench; a coffee vending machine (the only place in the village where you can have an espresso); and a small kiosk. And in this kiosk, or around it, you will find Aunt Ljilja. Her role in this community is simple, yet more important than any other: “Selling bread to the hungry”. Every day, from seven in the morning to seven in the evening, Ljilja sells bread to the hungry, even on Sundays, because people get hungry on Sundays too. That’s how it’s been for the last 20 years.

Gashi also observed the Serbian parallel system in effect, the financial lifeline it provides for an impoverished place, but also the opportunities it creates for clientelism. While some benefit from no-show jobs in the public sector, others work two or three jobs to make ends meet.

Many houses in Gorazdevac are in ruins or only slightly better. Some display ‘FOR SALE’ signs in giant letters, while others are modern and well-maintained. People told him that the village was increasingly struggling with drought, water restrictions, dried-up wells, and the destruction of the nearby Bistrica River due to illegal sand mining. Several farmers utilized potable water for irrigating their fields, while others illicitly tapped into the pipelines.

Locals from Gorazdevac have been going back and forth to Peja for years, most often for groceries, but also to get their hair cut, have their car fixed or for restaurant meals, as these amenities are unavailable in the village.

“My goal was to bring readers a view from deep inside the community — toward the community itself and toward the outside, meaning both Kosovo and Serbia — that wasn’t following any particular political agenda, which seems to be somewhat of a rarity both on the Serbian and Albanian side of media reporting.”

He extended his exploration to the local schools, the main bar “Podrum” and embarked on bus journeys to immerse himself in the rhythms of daily life, seeking a genuine understanding of the community’s pulse.

Read the full story at: Kosovo Glocal “Getting by in Gorazdevac” 

Photos: Atdhe Mulla / K2.0.