On July 30, 2025, within the framework of the project “Strengthening the capacities of civil society to improve access to quality social protection for diverse women and men”, supported by the European Union (EU) Office in Kosovo, another workshop was held with the participation of the Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian communities, in cooperation with the Network of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian Women’s Organizations of Kosovo (RROGRAEK).

The workshop, titled “Legislation on Social Protection, Rights, and the Complaint Procedures”, was led by lawyer Fitim Gashi and held at the premises of the Kosovo Women’s Network. It aimed to strengthen participants’ knowledge and capacities to understand the rights guaranteed by Law No. 08/L-255 on Social and Family Services and to take action in cases of violations.

The workshop covered the content and scope of the law, the fundamental principles it is based on, the types of services guaranteed to citizens, and the procedures to follow when these rights are not upheld by the relevant institutions.

Participants shared personal experiences where their rights had been violated, or they had been unfairly treated by institutions. Through practical examples and direct discussions, they had the opportunity to better understand the role of responsible institutions and how to act in cases of legal violations.

At the end of the session, the importance of reporting cases through legal mechanisms was emphasized: “If we don’t report them, they continue.” However, participants also expressed concerns about the lack of institutional response: “As long as those people are in charge, it’s pointless,” “They say if you have a clean shirt, you don’t need social assistance,” and “The law exists, but for our communities it’s a problem—no one takes you seriously.”

This workshop contributed to raising awareness and building the capacity of participants to recognize and defend their social rights, further reinforcing the role of civil society organizations in supporting communities facing exclusion and discrimination in accessing social services.