The Mayor of Pristina, Përparim Rama, and the Goodwill Ambassador for Kosovo at the IHRC, Elvana Shala, today presented the progress of the “Pristina Without Barriers” campaign, which aims to improve accessibility for persons with special needs.
Rama stated that over the past three years, interventions have been made in 22 locations.
He added that work in some areas has reached up to 90% completion and that the campaign will continue until every obstacle to free movement in the capital is removed.
“When we signed the memorandum of cooperation for ‘Pristina Without Barriers’ three years ago, we made a clear commitment: to make our capital accessible and equal for everyone. Today, I can confidently say that this commitment is becoming a reality. During this period, we have intervened in 22 different locations in the city. In many of them, we have lowered curbs, installed ramps according to standards, cleared blocked spaces, and improved public lighting. In medical centers and educational institutions, we have installed ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms for persons with disabilities. In urban traffic areas, we have started installing itineraries and adapted ticket offices for easier access.
In some areas, work has reached up to 90% completion, while in others we are in the early stages, but with a clear plan for completion. In addition to physical interventions, we have implemented awareness campaigns, strengthened inspections, and standardized the way public spaces are designed to ensure free and safe movement for all. This is a collective process that is transforming Pristina into a barrier-free city. I thank everyone who has contributed, and I assure you that we will not stop until every obstacle is replaced with an opportunity for free movement,” Rama said.
The Goodwill Ambassador for Kosovo at the IHRC, Elvana Shala, emphasized that “Pristina Without Barriers” is not only for persons with special needs but for anyone who faces mobility challenges, including the elderly, parents with strollers, and every other citizen.
“Pristina Without Barriers is not only for persons with special needs but for all people with mobility difficulties, including the elderly, parents with strollers, and everyone else. In total, we have reached 22 locations, with an average completion rate of 58.5% of all planned works. We have also received help from all citizens of Pristina, who have sent us photos of locations. The most common issues we have encountered are the lack of lowered curbs and the absence of stair railings,” she said.
