DeTorres, Jhona G. September 10, 2015AB Political Science

Ladies and Gentlemen,If to be secure means to be free from fear of being killed, persecuted or abused; free from the abject poverty that brings indignity and self-contempt; free to make choicesthen a majority of people in today's world donotlive in security. Chapter 1, Article 1 of the United Nations Charter proclaims that the first aim of the world organization is to "maintain international peace and security". Half a century later, this goal has not yet been achieved. Yes, significant progresshasoccurred. When the Charter was ratified, most Asian and African countries were European colonies. Not so long ago, a large part of Europe itself, east and west, and almost all of Latin America, lived under communist or fascist regimes, whose policies denied freedom and blocked economic development. But if we look back at the decade that is ending, our optimism is shaken: the Gulf crisis, the successive Balkan conflicts, the Rwandan genocide, countless wars in Africa, the Afghan tragedy, and many other episodes, stand out as backwards steps on the path to peace and security.Today, the concept of "human security" commands the same respect and attention as the more traditional one of "state security". Issues pertaining to "human security" are increasingly discussed by the United Nations Security Councilthere is a growing awareness that states cannot and will not be secure unless people feel secure, too.In situation wherein in 1989, Kosovo, a semi-autonomous province of Yugoslavia mostly made up of ethnic Albanians, was stripped of its autonomy by Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic. In response, the ethnic Albanian Kosovo Liberation Army attacked Serb targets, which led to a violent crackdown by the Serbian army and the persecution of Kosovar Albanians, killing more than 1,500 and forcing 400,000 more from their homes. Due to the humanitarian consequences and regional impacts of the escalating crisis, the UN Security Council (UNSC) adopted resolution 1199 in September 1998. The resolution expressed concerns over the excessive use of force by the Serbian military against Kosovar Albanians and called for a ceasefire by both parties.Despite the international community's diplomatic efforts, in March 1999, violence erupted again. In June 1999, the United States led a NATO campaign to halt ethnic cleansing in Kosovo carried out by the Serbian military. NATO continued airstrikes against the Serbian forces for 78 days until then-Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic withdrew all Serbian forces from Kosovo. At that time, the UNSC authorized resolution 1244, establishing UNMIK to govern Kosovo. Status talks led by UN special envoys and the Secretary-General from 2006 to 2008 were unable to reach an agreement on the future status of Kosovo.But in February 2008, the Assembly of Kosovo unanimously declared Kosovo's independence from Serbia and established the Republic of Kosovo. This declaration was formally legalized by the International Court of Justice on July 22, 2010. The Republic is now recognized by 101 states, including the United States. Prior to this formal declaration in 2008, much of the UN's authority had been transferred to Kosovo's government and EULEX. Although Serbian and Albanian relations within Kosovo are tense, the government has made an effort to engage with the countrys minority populations. Currently, northern Serbs are guaranteed 10 representatives in the Assembly of Kosovo, while ten more seats are allocated for other minority ethnic groups.UNMIK is now in its final chapter as the UN continues to downsize its presence in Kosovo. NATO has also reported a troop withdrawal, with Ukraine pulling out almost 160 soldiers from the peacekeeping mission in August 2014. In December 2010, Kosovo authorities conducted democratic elections without UNMIK involvement. After the constitutional court ruled the first election unconstitutional due to reports of voting irregularities, Kosovo elected deputy general director of Kosovo police, Atifete Jahjaga, president on April 7, 2011. With the inauguration of the Brussel Agreement, a Serbia de facto signed on April 19, 2013 between Belgrade and Pristina that assented to Kosovos territorial integrity, the first Kosovo-wide municipal elections were held in November 2013, paving the way for the Norths inclusion into the country. Another round of elections happened during the spring of 2014, which led to the creation of a new coalition government in Belgrade headed by Prime Minister Aleksandar Vui. These major strides forward have helped create political unity among the Albanian and the Serbian municipalities.Protection does not only mean defending legal rights. Protecting refugees means monitoring borders to ensure that they remain open when refugees cross them; demanding access for food and medicines needed for their assistance; fighting discrimination; relieving trauma; counselling on legal procedures; deciding when to advise refugees to return home; and so on. At times, it requires discreet negotiations with governments or non-governmental forces. At other times, it demands speaking out to denounce abuses and violations. Refugee protection is a set of legal instruments, operational activities and material contributions that can restore a sense of security in people whom flight has deprived of everythingsometimes, as the Kosovo tragedy has shown, even of their identity.

Promoting security, stability and respect for human rights in KosovoOriginally, the Security Council, by itsresolution 1244of 10 June 1999, authorized the Secretary-General to establish an international civil presence in Kosovo the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) in order to provide an interim administration for Kosovo under which the people of Kosovo could enjoy substantial autonomy. Its task was unprecedented in complexity and scope; the Council vested UNMIK with authority over the territory and people of Kosovo, including all legislative and executive powers and administration of the judiciary.Subsequently, following the declaration of independence by the Kosovo authorities and the entry into force of a new constitution on 15 June 2008, the tasks of the Mission have significantly been modified to focus primarily on the promotion of security, stability and respect for human rights in Kosovo.The UN Interim Administration Mission in KosovoMISSION MANDATEIn June 1999, the UN Security Council adopted resolution 1244 to establish the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). This mission was enacted to help establish a Kosovar government, facilitate the development of democratic institutions, coordinate humanitarian relief, and promote security, stability and respect for human rights.In August 2008, the UN mission transferred its authority to the government of Kosovo and to the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX). The transfer has allowed the Kosovar government to assume responsibility over its country and its citizens, while the UN mission continues to provide support and guidance to the government and EULEX.

The Mission's mandate includes: Demilitarizing armed groups Providing security for all communities in Kosovo Monitoring the border Facilitating democratic institutions Facilitating parliamentary and municipal elections Building government capacityHOW UNMIK AFFECTS AMERICAN INTERESTS Secures a peaceful Kosovo.The United States seeks a stable, democratic, and economically viable Kosovo, and over the last eleven years, UNMIK has made substantial strides in establishing peace and security in the region. Due to its success, and the fact that Kosovo is now self-governing, the UN is decreasing its personnel to around 15 from the initial authorized strength of 4,519. Still, UNMIK and the United States continue to work with NATO forces to maintain stability in the region. Almost 800 Americans serve in NATOs Kosovo Force (KFOR) which still has a 5,600 troop presence in the Balkan country. Additionally, since 1999, the United States has contributed over $1.2 billion to Kosovo's development. It is estimated that $67.45 million in US aid went to Kosovo in the year 2012. Supports the Kosovo Police Service.UNMIK has worked with the United States to provide the Kosovo Police Service (KPS) with training and guidance. In May 2014, 43 members (36 Kosovo Serbs and 7 Kosovo Albanians) of the Kosovo polices quick-response team in the north concluded a three-week training course at the Kosovo Police Academy and became fully operational on May 9th. Other new recruitment campaigns launched in May have helped to significantly increase the operational effectiveness of the Kosovo police in the north. The UN and U.S. investment has helped the police service become a highly respected and trusted institution. KPS now commands all 33 police stations, six Regional Police Headquarters, and 13 border control stations throughout the country. Fosters better relations.The UN continues to monitor Kosovo closely, and reports that progress has been made in the northern region. The Mitrovica North administrative office has begun providing services aimed at forging a better relationship between northern Serbs and the Kosovo government. By renovating public buildings, rehabilitating playgrounds and providing wireless internet access in public parks, the Kosovar administrative offices are attempting to mollify hostilities and cultivate trust. Civil servants still report intimidation tactics by Albanians which are quickly resolved as a result of effective administration. One such incident happened on July 10, 2014, where a concrete block with a plaque reading Adem Jashari Square was installed, bearing a flag pole and an Albanian flag, at a road junction in the ethnically mixed area of Bosniak Mahala in North Mitrovica. The day after, representatives from Belgrade and Pristina convened in Brussels to lessen tensions and establish a working group to permanently resolve the matter. Promotes economic development.UNMIK is actively engaged in the promotion of economic development and stability, and over the years, Kosovo has demonstrated growth in the global market place. In 2006, UNMIK signed Kosovos accession to the Central Europe Free Trade Area (CEFTA) on the countrys behalf, and in 2009, Kosovo joined the International Monetary Fund. The US also believes that Kosovo can be a valuable trading partner, having exported over $18 million worth of goods and services to Kosovo in 2012. A key indicator of Kosovos significant progress is illustrated in the World Banks Doing Business Index, with Kosovos ranking improving from 128th to 98th in 2012. This progress was achieved after much effort by the Kosovar government, with significant technical support from USAID and UNMIK .

ONGOING CHALLENGES Divided communities.While progress has been made, divisions between Albanians and Serbs continue. Within Kosovo itself, there are ongoing tensions between the countrys ethnic Albanian majority and Serb minority. Serb defiance is rooted in the north, where Kosovos courts, police, and customs authorities do not operate. In September of 2012, at a joint session between Kosovo officials and northern Kosovo municipalities, Kosovos northern residents refused to recognize the independence of Kosovo in any form. Even though there have been improvement between the two sides after the November 2013 elections, tensions remain. Several incidents have occurred in Northern Kosovo where Serbs clashed with Kosovo police over cultural and ethnic differences. Prosecution of serious crimes.The UNMIK Department of Justice (DOJ) division has improved the process for prosecuting serious crimes, including cases of corruption, terrorism, and war crimes. As local capacity improves, the UN has begun shifting responsibilities to local institutions. It is also working with the Kosovo Special Prosecutors Office to enable local prosecutors to take on more serious cases in the future. Since commencing operations in December 2008, EULEX has prioritized cases handed over by UNMIK. In Mitrovica, local staff continues work to establish an inventory of 40,000 prosecution files necessary for the government to address past human rights violations. Therefore, the Inter-ministerial Working Group on Dealing with the Past and Reconciliation committee was formed on July 4, 2012 to deal with human rights violations and violations of international humanitarian law. War crimes are still being investigated to this date. In late July 2014, a European Union investigative team found extensive evidence of war crimes committed by senior officials of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) during and after the Kosovo war in 1999.

Unfriendly neighbors.Serbia continues to resist recognizing Kosovos independence. Serbias Prime Minister Alekandar Vucic emphasized that his country will never, under any circumstances, implicitly or explicitly, recognize the unilateral declaration of independence by Kosovos ethnic Albanian authorities. In an effort to continue talks between Serbia and Kosovo leaders, UNMIK facilitated a new security coordination forum in northern Kosovo which included EULEX, the Kosovo Force (KFOR), Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), and northern Kosovar leaders. There are ongoing talks about the countrys cooperating on such projects as certifying diplomas, establishing freedom of movement, and jointly managing crossing points.

For a city or a people to be truly free, they must have the secure right, without economic, political or police pressure, to make their own choice and to live their own lives. The security of people, therefore, must be not only ensured and upheld, but alsomade to last. When peace is negotiated, more attention must therefore be paid to creating conditions for the coexistence of divided communities. Rehabilitation and reconciliation activities are fundamental elements of peace building, and must be planned and implemented much sooner.