On International Children’s Day, the Coalition of NGOs for Child Protection in Kosovo (KOMF) raised serious concerns about the deteriorating situation of children’s rights in the country. Despite repeated institutional promises, systemic reforms remain largely absent, leaving thousands of children vulnerable.
Children make up 28 percent of Kosovo’s population, but according to KOMF, they face severe challenges due to a weak protection system, lack of investment, and limited access to essential services such as education, healthcare, and social welfare. The current child protection infrastructure is described as fragile and reactive, intervening only in critical cases rather than offering preventive support.
KOMF cited alarming data: 72% of children are subjected to violent disciplinary methods in their homes; 600 children live without parental care; and 5% are engaged in hazardous labor. The Law on Child Protection, in effect since 2020, has not been fully implemented, with key preventive services and programs still missing.
The education system is also under pressure. Kosovo has one of the lowest pre-school enrollment rates in the region, with only 15% of children aged 3 to 4 participating in early education. Nationally, just 52.1% of students passed the latest Assessment Test, while the PISA report ranked Kosovo 76th out of 80 countries for education quality.
For children with disabilities, the situation is equally concerning. Only 3,903 children with disabilities are enrolled in regular classes, and out of 1,044 educational institutions, just 609 are physically accessible. A severe shortage of specialized staff continues to hinder inclusive education.
In healthcare, high out-of-pocket costs persist due to the absence of a public insurance system, and mental health services for children are nearly nonexistent, with just 7 child psychiatrists nationwide. Meanwhile, drug use among adolescents is rising, with the average age of first use dropping to 16 and over 30,000 active users—yet no state programs exist for prevention or rehabilitation.
Juvenile delinquency is another area of concern. In 2024, Kosovo’s prosecution offices received 1,994 criminal reports involving 3,073 minors.
KOMF has issued a call to action, urging the government to undertake comprehensive legislative and policy reforms. Key demands include the approval of a new Social Assistance Law, reform of child benefits, expansion of pre-school infrastructure, investment in mental health services, and revision of school curricula. They are also advocating for the creation of a national child protection hotline, dedicated shelters, and family support programs for reintegration and rehabilitation.
“Without swift and substantial reform, Kosovo is at risk of perpetuating systemic neglect and long-term harm to its children,” KOMF stated, pressing institutions to replace empty promises with decisive action.
