A STEP FORWARD TO RETURN – Providing support for improving the living conditions of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and supporting a sustainable return to Kosovo*

January 2025 – April 2027

Total budget: €439,418.00

Partners in the implementation of the Project:

Municipality of Zvezdara – Belgrade
Municipality of Palilula – Nis

Place of implementation of the Project:

Municipality of Zvezdara, Belgrade and Municipality of Palilula, Niš

General and specific objectives of the Project:

The overall aim of the project is to improve the human rights of internally displaced persons (IDPs), as one of the most vulnerable population groups in the region, in accordance with the objectives related to chapter 23 of the EU acquis.

The specific aim of the project is to provide support to internally displaced persons (IDPs) in order to realize the possibility of a sustainable return to Kosovo* by strengthening their economic viability, providing direct assistance and facilitating access to basic rights.

General information about the Step Forward to Return project:

A large number of studies show that the biggest problem of IDPs is housing, access to information, employment and the unavailability of basic documents. In addition, IDPs have difficulties to find employment due to long-term inactivity and lack of skills, which leads to additional dependence on the support of the social system. Given that displaced families who failed to secure permanent housing and satisfactory living conditions, and that security risks are now significantly lower than during the conflict, some of them see returning to Kosovo as the only viable solution for their families.

The main activities of the project will be focused on the sustainable return of internally displaced persons who want to return to Kosovo*, as well as the promotion of social economic stabilization of the returnees.

The expected results to be achieved are as follows:

• At least 40 internally displaced persons (IDPs) will strengthen their economic viability through training to start their own businesses.
• At least 25 IDPs will strengthen their economic viability through vocational education and training (VET) programs.
• At least 25 IDP families will strengthen their economic viability thanks to the allocation of income generation grants.
• At least 25 IDP families will receive support to create conditions for a sustainable return through the allocation of aid kits.
• About 10 IDP families will receive support to create conditions for a sustainable return by providing transport assistance.
• There will be increased information and easier access to information about the possibilities of return and available support for IDPs in Serbia through a free telephone line.
• 2 informative events will be organized, an informative brochure will be prepared, as well as other information dissemination activities.
• The capacities of local self-governments for social inclusion will be improved thanks to the training of at least 10 officials in 2 units of local self-government.

The project is financed by the European Union.

*This determination is made without prejudicing positions on status and is in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1244 and the Opinion of the International Court of Justice on the Declaration of Independence of Kosovo