New Report Supports Rehabilitation of Kosovo Youth and Women with Connection to Violent Extremism

In the two decades after the 1998-1999 war Kosovo has faced a number of complex issues caused by persistent economic and socio-political challenges, including a sharp rise in violent extremism. The start of the civil war in Syria brought this issue in focus as unprecedented numbers of Kosovo nationals left their home country to join the ranks of armed militias and terrorist groups. Today, most Kosovo foreign fighters and their families have returned home, and the government’s rehabilitation and reintegration efforts of women and youth will be key to building more resilient and safer communities and promoting stability and democratic growth in the country.

To assist Kosovo officials in these endeavors, the International Republican Institute (IRI) has released a reintegration report that provides best practices, challenges and partnership opportunities for the government. The report also includes recommendations to improve the effectiveness and sustainability of reintegration efforts. Relying on data from Kosovo authorities, international organizations and think tanks, this report reflects the views and observations of civil society, psychologists, security specialists, researchers and civil servants involved in the rehabilitation of Kosovo women and youth.

The report was prepared by Adrian Shtuni (CEO of Shtuni Consulting LLC) on behalf of IRI and made possible by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations