DRC has operated continuously in Kosovo since 1998, only interrupted for a few months during the NATO bombings in 1999. Initially the assistance implemented by DRC focused on emergency aid, but was soon extended to logistics support, transport, shelter and reconstruction activities, income generating activities and social rehabilitation of IDPs, returnees and affected populations.

From 2003, DRC has focused increasingly on minority returns to Kosovo, a programme priority which has been developed in close cooperation with DRC Serbia & Montenegro. Tasks have focused on the creation of a sustainable and durable returns process to Kosovo through targeting not only the physical requirements of returning refugees and IDPs but also those crucial other aspects that contribute to a secure and comfortable environment in which to live and work after often-significant periods in transition. These include social and economic reintegration and development, improving living conditions, facilities and opportunities for both receiving and returning communities, safety, inter-ethnic dialogue, tailoring ongoing support for the various groups of beneficiaries taking into consideration different ages, genders and specific ethnic or religious issues. Work has also continued in strengthening civil society organisations, empowering and building capacity amongst local authorities to ensure the ongoing support for beneficiaries in Kosovo, and the psychosocial aspects of mental health services.

DRC is presently operating in Kosovo from the field offices in Pejë/Peĉ, Mitrovicë/a, Prizren and Prishtinë/Priština, and the logistics centre in Milosheve/o. The 56 local staff, 4 interns and one international staff implementing the 8 current projects throughout Kosovo are supported by a central support unit based in Prishtinë/Priština.

Regional links
To increase the efficiency and to use resources more effectively, DRC implements a regional strategy in the Western Balkans. Within this strategy DRC country offices are much more linked to each other and a variety of procedures, implementation strategies and policies are harmonised. Considering the regional dimension of displacement and the interconnectedness of the various issues faced on either side of boundaries/borders, DRC-Kosovo is encouraging the dissemination of best practices and tools from their projects throughout the western Balkans. This includes regular attendance and presentations at regional and Kosovo-hosted interagency meetings. Thanks to its presence and operations in Serbia, Kosovo, Montenegro, and Macedonia, DRC-Kosovo continues to engage in active dialogue and exchange of experiences about local integration and livelihood enhancement issues at regional forums.

The return process
DRC emphasises the importance of the three broad stages of the returns process, broadly summarised as Pre-Return, Return, and Post-Return. Information provision and inter-ethnic dialogue at the beginning of the reconciliation process is featured prior to the physical return. The actual return activities include: legal assistance, house reconstruction, transportation of the returning families to their homes, and addressing other immediate needs. The Post-Return process focuses on the importance to reintegrate the returnees into the broader community socially and economically. Continued relationship-building between communities and the central and local authorities is paramount to promote a lasting return.

This has been built on DRC’s 18 years of work in the Western Balkans supporting the refugees and IDPs/Kosovo-IDPs in their search for and gradual realisation of well-informed durable solutions. Working closely with central and municipal structures, DRC has endeavoured to ensure that the problems and capacities of refugees and IDPs/Kosovo-IDPs are regarded as an integral part of community life.

Important partners and donors for DRC in Kosovo:

• UNHCR
• Danish MFA (ENR)
• SIDA
• IRISH AID (DCI)
• The US State Department Bureau for Populations, Refugees and Migrants (BPRM)
• Kosovo Ministry of Communities and Returns (MCR)
• European Commission Liaison Office to Kosovo (ECLO)
• International Organisation for Migration (IOM)
• The British Embassy
• Local municipalities