About this page

This help webpage was created with the financial support of the European Union(EU), and is maintained with the support of the UNHCR Office of the Chief of Mission in Pristina. Its contents are the sole responsibility of the Civil Rights Program in Kosovo (CRPK) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union or UNHCR.

About CRPK

The Civil Rights Program in Kosovo (CRP/K) was founded by The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) 1999. CRP/K continued with its activities under this framework until 2004 when from 1 December of the respective year it has functioned as an independent non-governmental organization. As from this year, CRP/K conducts its activities as non-governmental human rights based organization and it is an implementing partner of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in implementation of the projects related to free legal assistance.

CRP/K is an organization that provides free legal assistance and counseling for returnees, asylum seekers, displaced persons in Kosovo, persons at risk of statelessness and to persons who are considered to be vulnerable in realization of their civil rights. Such help is provided without discrimination of any kind. CRP/K presents the beneficiaries in the procedures before court.

About UNHCR Office of the Chief of Mission in Pristina

UNHCR presence in Kosovo began in 1992 with the aim to assist refugees seeking protection and humanitarian aid, and support persons displaced before the conflict in 1999. According to the UN Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999), UNHCR is mandated to supervise safe and free return to Kosovo of all refugees and displaced persons.

The Kosovo institutions are responsible for the protection of asylum-seekers and refugees. The Department of Citizenship Asylum and Migration has the responsibility to process asylum claims and to decide whether somebody is granted protection in Kosovo. UNHCR supports the Kosovo Institutions in maintaining protection regimes which comply with international standards and advocates for the rights of asylum-seekers, refugees and other persons of concern.

UNHCR Services are Free of Charge: There is no charge for any service provided by UNHCR, whether directly or through its partners. Any person, including a UNHCR employee, or organization claiming to be able to help an asylum-seeker or a refugee to receive a UNHCR service for money or favors must be reported to UNHCR immediately.

Protection From Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA)

Reporting on sexual exploitation and abuse

Sexual exploitation and abuse are unacceptable behaviors and prohibited for all United Nations and NGO partners’ staff members. Your report will be treated with discretion and be kept strictly confidential.

What is sexual exploitation ?

Any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes. It includes trafficking and prostitution.

What is sexual abuse ?

Any actual or threatened sexual activity carried out by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. Sexual exploitation and abuse can happen to anyone—men, women, boys, and girls—at any age, with or without a disability, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity and in any circumstance.

Protection from sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA)

In line with United Nations standards of conduct UNHCR staff members and NGO partners must not:

  • Have sexual activity with anyone in exchange for money, employment, preferential treatment, goods or services
  • Have sexual activity with any child under the age of 18 years old
  • Engage in any other form of sexually humiliating, degrading, or exploitative behavior.

How can you report suspected sexual exploitation and abuse?

If you are aware of, or have concerns or suspicions about, a possible case of sexual exploitation and abuse by a UNHCR, UN, or NGO staff member, you can report directly to:

  • UNHCR Office of the Chief of Mission in Kosovo: Free of charge phone: 0800 22 888
  • UNHCR staff in your areas over confidential meeting in person
  • NGO’s staff over confidential meeting in person

In your report, you should include:

  • What happened?
  • Describe in detail what you know about the incident or incidents.
  • Who committed the alleged wrongdoing?
  • Do you know if anyone else was involved? Please provide full names, job titles and organization, if possible.
  • When and where did the incident or incidents occur?
  • Include dates and times, if possible.

What will happen afterwards?

You will be contacted and receive feedback in a strictly confidential manner.