UNICEF expands cooperation with municipalities for children

Prishtina, 1 November 2023 – Today UNICEF in Kosovo and Prishtina Municipality signed a memorandum of understanding, “Municipality for Children and Youth of Prishtina;” jointly committing to advancing the fulfillment of children’s rights and ensuring children’s priorities are at the center of the municipal governance agenda. 

Municipal authorities are important partners for child rights, as they make decisions and manage resources that directly impact their lives. Together with Dragash, Gjilan, Gjakove, Lipjan, and Zubin Potok, Prishtina is the sixth municipality partnering with UNICEF in Kosovo to jointly implement interventions that directly affect children by improving education, early childhood development, health and protection services.

The local level is also where all the sectors can come together and accelerate support for the most vulnerable children and families, who require sustained and coordinated approaches. The new Law on Child Protection gave municipalities a significant role in child protection and support, including an obligation to establish Municipal Child Rights Teams. Chaired by the Mayors, these teams bring together various municipal directorates and representatives from civil society to develop municipal child-related policies and ensure a coordinated and multi-sectoral approach that meets children’s needs.  UNICEF congratulates the 23 municipalities, including Pristina, who have established these teams.

UNICEF in Kosovo remains committed to partner with local authorities, NGOs, and other local stakeholders to build capacities and facilitate collaboration between sectors to leave no child behind.