Regional Weekly Update - ORC nedeljnik

11 -17 September - PEJË/ PEC REGION

The MR, LCO, MRO and RRU met with the head of the UNHCR Field Office on 17 September, to discuss the situation of IDPs from Kline/a town situated in Bica. The MR briefed all present on recent developments on the issue, in particular pointing out that the municipality supports the idea of organising a low-profile GSV for the IDPs to visit their property in Kline/a town. UNHCR stressed the importance of the local authorities' involvement in the process and expressed appreciation at the development. The group agreed in principle that a visit should to be organised for the IDPs to come to Kline/a town. The group, joined by Italian KFOR, proceeded to Bica to meet with the IDPs. The MR introduced the purpose and all present expressed their commitment to support a visit to Kline/a town. The IDPs for their part expressed disappointment that their issue was still lingering. They brought up the issues of illegal occupation of their properties and illegal construction on the premises, and expressed their desire for a proper visit where they would have the opportunity to enter their properties

The Regional Returns Unit ( RRU) attended the weekly Sigë/Siga & Brestovik Technical Coordination meeting on 15 September at IOM's office in Pejë/Pec. ' Bergamo ' briefed the group that 11 head of families were expected to return on 17 September. Also discussed was the progress made in identifying the community projects for the surrounding areas. MPDL, facilitated by the municipality, have also made progress on the property front, with well over 19 TPAs signed and over 53 submitted to the municipality for vetting. It should be noted that the Municipality and LCO still dedicate enormous time to clearing property documents. Beneficiairies can facilitate the process by providing MPDL and other organizations facilitating legal property documentation verification with more accurate information at the initiatial stages of the process of return. Members of this group include THW, KFOR, Police (Civpol & KPS), UNHCR, LCO, Bergamo , MPDL, RRU and chaired by IOM as the lead implementing partner.

The Belo Polje Task Force (TF) met on 16 September. The 'European Perspective' (EP) representative briefed the group that several meetings had already been conducted in Serbia as part of their sending component. EP also updated on the implementation of the Community Project and Income Generation Project (IGP) components of Phase I, both of which had commenced. The LCO and MPDL intervened to address the issue of property (and property rights). Because property issues are typically very complex, and resolving them is thus quite time-consuming, the group agreed to focus on property issues directly related to the project. The group also agreed to look into best practices established elsewhere, such as the agreement mediated by 'Care International' for Bica, Grabac and Stuple.  

Contact: Evan Bwala (038)504604/ext.3063, e-mail: bwala@un.org

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