When the university talks about human rights, the consumer is no longer alone
On the occasion of March 15 – International Consumer Day, the Center for Peace and Human Rights at the "Haxhi Zeka" University in Peja, for the first time at an academic level in Kosovo, is in the preparatory phase of organizing a thematic conference dedicated to the protection and advancement of human rights, with a special focus on consumer rights as an integral part of economic and social rights.
The conference, which will be held in the form of a roundtable discussion, will March 13, bears the title:
“Protection and advancement of human rights in Kosovo – Consumer, state and shared responsibility”, and aims to create a structured space for dialogue between public institutions, civil society, the business community and academia.
A new academic approach to consumer rights
In a democratic society and a market economy, consumer rights are not simply technical or administrative issues, but a concrete expression of human dignity, equality and legal certainty in economic relations. This initiative of the “Haxhi Zeka” University is built on this philosophy, which aims to place the discussion on consumer rights in the broader context of human rights.
Kosovo has made significant strides in building a legal framework for consumer protection and human rights, but challenges remain in terms of practical implementation, institutional coordination and public awareness. These challenges require open debate, critical analysis and shared responsibility – precisely the elements that this conference aims to provide.
The University as a platform for dialogue and social responsibility
Through this conference, Haxhi Zeka University affirms its role not only as an educational and scientific institution, but also as an active actor in the public and social life of the country. The University sees itself as a platform for knowledge, debate and informed policy-making, connecting academic theory with institutional practice and social reality.
The conference agenda is structured to reflect a comprehensive approach: from the legal and institutional framework, to the role of civil society, the social responsibility of business, as well as the contribution of academia and students in advancing the culture of human rights. Discussions will be oriented towards concrete challenges and practical recommendations, with the aim that the results of this roundtable serve as a basis for future actions and policies.
A step towards institutionalizing the human rights debate
The choice of International Consumer Day as a reference moment for this activity is not accidental. It symbolizes the natural connection between social justice, the fair functioning of the market and the protection of human dignity. The Center for Peace and Human Rights aims for this conference to become a regular annual activity, institutionalizing the academic and social debate on human rights in Kosovo.
Through this initiative, "Haxhi Zeka" University sends a clear message: the protection of human and consumer rights is not the responsibility of a single institution, but a përgjegjësi e përbashkët e shtetit, biznesit, shoqërisë civile dhe akademisë.