Prishtina, August 5^th, 2016, Democracy Plus held a focus group with representatives of youth organizations and experts in the field of implementation of the Law on Empowerment and Participation of Youth. Participants shared their personal experiences with the level of implementation of this law and discussed challenges that the youth and youth organizations face.

A special emphasis was put on volunteer work as a legal category, which in the absence of an administrative instruction is not functioning well, and as a result very few young people are involved in volunteer work activities. The discussion extended to the issue of inclusion of youth in sectorial policy making as foreseen by this law. Additionally, the inclusion of marginalized groups was another important topic of discussion in the focus group.

The findings from focus groups will be shared with the Parliamentary Commission for Education, Science, Technology, Culture, Youth and Sports, which through the professional and logistical assistance from D+, monitors the implementation of this law. The final report of the Commission will be presented to the Government and other stakeholders upon approval by the Assembly.