#UntieTheKnot reaches the fourth municipality to advocate for the rights and inclusion of children with disabilities

Today, the #UntieTheKnot campaign was launched in Gjilan/Gnjilane, the fourth municipality committed to support inclusion of children with disabilities.  Financed by the European Union in Kosovo and led by UNICEF in Kosovo, this campaign aims to promote the inclusion of children with disabilities and raise awareness about the barriers they face.

The event brought together key stakeholders, including the Mayor of Gjilan/Gnjilane, Mr. Alban Hyseni, the Head of Cooperation at the European Union in Kosovo, Mr. Johannes Madsen, the Head of UNICEF in Kosovo, Ms. Veronika Vashchenko, children with disabilities, their families, and Disabled People’s Organizations (DPOs). Participants presented the progress made but also called for the full realization of the rights of children with disabilities, emphasizing the importance of inclusive education and accessible public spaces.

A symbolic “knot” installation, representing the challenges children with disabilities face, was unveiled at the event. The installation will remain in Gjilan/Gnjilane for three days calling for accessibility of public spaces, expanding availability of quality inclusive services, and combatting stigma and discrimination against children with disabilities and their families. The campaign also aims to raise awareness of the draft Law on the Status and Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which will be a milestone reform in Kosovo, if approved.

The #UntieTheKnot campaign which started last year has already seen positive developments in other municipalities. In Prishtina, a commitment was made to increase financial support for DPOs, remove physical barriers in public spaces, and provide annual subsidies for services benefiting children with disabilities. Gjakova/Djakovica has committed to doubling the number of teacher assistants and establishing resource classrooms in all primary schools by 2025. Additionally, in Graçanicë/Gračanica, as an attribution of the campaign, a center for children with autism and disabilities has been approved for construction by the institutions of Kosovo.

The Mayor of Gjilan/Gnjilane’s municipality, Mr. Alban Hyseni is committed to supporting the inclusion agenda and children with disabilities.

The Head of Cooperation at the EU in Kosovo, Mr. Johannes Madsen, emphasized the significance of the campaign, saying, “Our joint work and advocacy are essential to creating a future where every child, especially the most vulnerable, is supported and included. The European Union, in partnership with UNICEF, stands committed to respecting, protecting, and promoting children’s rights. We call on the government and all decision-makers to join us in strengthening the systems that protect children and ensure that no child is left behind."

“Every child, regardless of their abilities, deserves the opportunity to learn, play, and thrive in an inclusive environment. Through this campaign, we are calling on communities, schools, and decision-makers to untie the knots of exclusion and ensure that children with disabilities can reach their full potential,” added Veronika Vashchenko, Head of UNICEF in Kosovo.

UNICEF, with financial support from the European Union in Kosovo, will continue advocating for all children, with or without disabilities.