While 400 Kosovars traveled to Syria between 2014 and 2019, Kosovo has since repatriated a substantial number of Kosovar women and children from Syria and Iraq. The Kosovo government has repatriated 121 citizens from Syria and Iraq including 33 women, 10 men, and 78 children, while other citizens have returned to Kosovo through informal channels. Altogether, 242 Kosovo citizens have returned through either formal or informal channels.

Ms. Rebeka Qena reflects on the approach of the Kosovar government to returnees and how rehabilitation and reintegration programs have been implemented.

Ms. Rebeka Qena is a Program Manager at Community Development Fund, a local organization in Kosovo, managing the Rehabilitation and Reintegration, GCERF-funded Program. She has over 17 years of experience of working in the development sector on programs related to minority and children’s rights, education, empowering, and programs promoting cross-regional cooperation.