Kosovo Civic Alternative (KCA) expresses deep concern regarding recent developments in north of Kosovo, specifically the demolition of residential and vacation structures near Lake Ujman/Gazivode and the public health concerns caused by the ongoing burning of toxic garbage. As a platform rooted in civic advocacy, we firmly believe that the true strength of Kosovo’s sovereignty lies in its constitutional commitment to a multiethnic society and an cohesive citizenry.

While the state possesses a legitimate mandate to enforce rule of law, spatial planning laws and protect critical water infrastructure, the execution of these policies should not have to come to the compromise of the rights of the Kosovar citizens they are meant to serve. A resilient democracy is defined by its adherence to equal standards, ensuring that environmental health, property rights, and transparent governance are guaranteed uniformly across all communities.

To foster the constitutional fabric of multiethnicity, the state must balance lawful enforcement with absolute respect for due process. Executing irreversible property demolitions while citizens are actively pursuing formal legal appeals within designated timelines sets a troubling precedent that risks alienating local populations and weakening institutional trust. Rather than leaning into a security-centric framework that can fracture inter-community relations, law enforcement must operate with predictable, judicial transparency. KCA urgently calls on the Ombudsperson Institution of Kosovo (OIK) to utilize its independent constitutional mandate to intervene and thoroughly examine these enforcement actions.

We look to the Ombudsperson to provide a neutral evaluation of the legality and proportionality of the removals, while simultaneously addressing the toxic waste crisis as a fundamental violation of the public’s right to a healthy environment. We urge a shift toward constructive administrative dialogue and institutional accountability to safeguard a fair, inclusive, and lawful future for every citizen of Kosovo