OSCE Mission in Kosovo promotes safer schools through roundtables on violence prevention and community co-operation

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo, in co-operation with the Kosovo Police, organized four roundtables to strengthen school safety, prevent violence, and promote closer co-operation among educational institutions, police, parents, and local communities.

Held between 23 September and 22 October in Prishtinë/Priština, Gjilan/Gnjilane, Prizren and Pejë/Peć, the roundtables brought together 112 participants, comprising Kosovo Police, Municipal Directorates of Education, school management, teachers, students, parents’ and student councils, Local Public Safety Committees, psychologists and civil society organizations.

The discussions helped participants identify common challenges, share experiences, and propose practical measures to create safer, more supportive learning environments. Particular attention was given to preventing bullying, physical and psychological violence, cyberbullying, drug-related risks, and other safety concerns affecting students.

Kosovo Police representatives shared relevant crime statistics and prevention advice. At the same time, participants explored ways to improve early identification and reporting of incidents, strengthen communication between schools and police, and ensure timely and co-ordinated institutional responses.

“Keeping schools safe requires close co-operation between Kosovo Police, educators, parents and students. These roundtables have helped bring stakeholders together to identify common concerns and develop practical measures to prevent violence, improve reporting and strengthen collective responses to school safety challenges,” said Detlev Quigley, Acting Chief of the Community Safety and Development Section at the OSCE Mission in Kosovo.

Recommendations included increased preventive police patrols around schools, regular co-ordination meetings between educational institutions, police, and parents, improved school security infrastructure, and greater involvement of school psychologists. Participants also highlighted the importance of protecting victims and witnesses, promoting accessible reporting mechanisms, including the Kosovo Police's anonymous ‘Report to the Police’ platform, and ensuring that school safety measures are inclusive of children with disabilities.

The roundtables further underscored the value of multidisciplinary approaches to preventing and addressing violence in schools, bringing together education professionals, law enforcement, psychologists and community representatives. Participants emphasized the importance of clearly defined responsibilities, effective information-sharing and continued development of school safety action plans.

Through these activities, the OSCE Mission in Kosovo continues to support community-oriented policing, strengthen co-operation between public institutions and local communities, and promote inclusive, prevention-focused approaches to safety and security. The recommendations from the discussions will inform continued engagement with relevant institutions and community safety mechanisms, supporting efforts to ensure schools remain safe environments where all children can learn and thrive.