The soldier, Geoffroy Simonnet, was 23 years old and had arrived in Kosovo in September. It said adequate security remains the key issue for minorities. The response of the international community is critical in determining how sustainable a future minority communities can expect, it said, noting that an effective and fair judicial system is a necessary component of a democratic society. Access to essential services remains critical. Steps were taken to tackle hate speech in the media, which fuels ethnic intolerance.
Employment is a key issue in ensuring minority communities have a sustainable future.
Kosovo is now at a critical juncture, the report continues, noting that the 28 October municipal elections and their aftermath will represent the international community's first significant withdrawal from direct governance of the province. It is of immense importance that the newly elected municipal authorities in Kosovo not only respect the rights of minorities but also take positive steps to improve their position and to facilitate their return, the report concludes. Llazar Semini is the Kosova Project Manager for the Institute for War and Peace Reporting .