Deaths at workplaces, KMDLNj: 32 victims during the past year, workers still without protection
tidings
Express Newspaper
30/07/2026 8:50
The Council for the Protection of Human Rights and Freedoms (KMDLNj) has reacted after the recent cases of loss of life in workplaces, assessing that the safety conditions for workers in Kosovo remain alarming.
According to KMDLNj, 32 workers lost their lives in Kosovo last year, mainly in the construction sector.
“Last year in Kosovo, 32 workers lost their lives, mainly in the field of construction”, says the reaction.
The organization recalls that it has continuously requested the improvement of working conditions and the addition of inspections as a preventive measure, while it has proposed that the funds collected from the fines be used for the families of the victims and the workers who remain permanently disabled.
KMDLNj emphasizes that it has identified a number of factors that influence fatal accidents in the workplace.
“KMDLNj has identified the lack of protective measures, atmospheric conditions, improper qualification, health, age and insufficient institutional supervision as the main causes of the loss of workers’ lives at their workplace”, the announcement states.
Also, the organization estimates that many workers do not have employment contracts, making it impossible for them to realize their rights.
“Unfortunately, no one has learned lessons from the loss of lives, avoidable, without any doubt, and, as a result, the year 2026 has not changed for the benefit of safety for workers and their lives”, emphasizes KMDLNj.
According to the reaction, the dire economic situation forces many citizens to accept unsafe working conditions.
“KMDLNj has found that due to the severe economic situation, the workers agree to any condition offered to them by the employer, that’s why we have such a large number of lost lives”, says the reaction.
KMDLNj requests an increase in the number of inspectors in the field or the engagement of a supervisory company with professional capacities, stressing that political clashes do not help to solve the problem.
“Playing ping-pong between politicians, putting the blame on each other, does not help this sensitive issue at all. On the contrary, only inter-institutional cooperation and coordination can prevent the loss of lives”, the reaction says.
In the end, KMDLNj emphasizes that the right to work cannot have meaning without guaranteeing the right to life.
“The right to work is an elementary human right, but this right has no value if the right to life is not guaranteed, on which all other rights are based and built”, concludes the reaction.
