The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
UNOPS and Sweden to support improved safety standards for workers in Kosovo*
Funded by Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), the €4 million project will promote improved working environments by strengthening occupational health and safety (OHS) management for the government and construction sector workers of Kosovo.
“This is an important project for the people of Kosovo. Together with Sida, we will promote a safe and secure working environment, and improve the application of safety and health rights for workers in Kosovo,” said Head of UNOPS Pristina Office, Brendan Keirnan.
Over the next four years, UNOPS will help to improve policies and the legal frameworks on OHS standards and working conditions. This includes providing support to effectively monitor and enforce the application of these standards through the government’s relevant Ministries and labour inspectorate.
We are confident that this project will contribute to safer, healthier and decent employment conditions for men and women in Kosovo.
UNOPS will also help to strengthen social dialogue on establishing safe conditions for workers and facilitate consultations between government, employers and employees to ensure improvements to OHS policies and regulations are made collaboratively.
Through the project, UNOPS will help to develop learning and development programmes. Education and training institutions in Kosovo – including vocational training centres, universities and colleges – will deliver the programmes, which will target businesses that operate in higher-risk sectors. The initiative aims to raise the level of awareness among the general population on the importance of applying strong and consistent OHS standards and the rights of workers.
*All references to Kosovo are made in the context of UNSCR 1244.
