Multikulturalna agenda kao sastavnica izgradnje mira i kosovske države: lažni mir ili iskrena nastojanja?

This article has analysed the modalities of conceiving multiculturalism as part of peace- and state-building processes in post-conflict Kosovo. Following the 1999 conflict in Kosovo and the NATO intervention, international efforts to normalise the situation have been exemplified in legal and political terms. UN SC Resolution 1244 has provided for the protection and promotion of human rights of all the inhabitants of Kosovo. However, human rights violations and animosities between communities as a result of the conflict have necessitated greater ttention towards communities on part of the international community. In legal terms, protection of the communities has been carried out by means of the Constitutional Framework for Kosovo and other by-laws enacted by the UNMIK law-making authorities. The Constitutional Framework instituted the protection of the rights of communities living in Kosovo as a way of respecting and securing the continuous presence of all communities living in Kosovo, as well as acknowledging and valuing their socio-cultural differences. Subsequently, very high human rights standards for communities were guaranteed in the documents drawn up in the political processes which served as the basis for establishing the statehood of Kosovo. With the declaration of Kosovo’s independence, the rights of ommunities, including their representation and participation in public life, as well as the right to veto certain laws considered to be of vital interest, became a constitutional category. The institution of multiculturalism as a constitutional category by means of legal human rights protection embodied a new orientation towards the future and living with differences on part of Kosovo society. Despite the legal and political undertakings by international and Kosovo authorities, it is questionable if these measures have managed to encourage and enable communities to enhance their contribution to public life in an inclusive cultural context of Kosovo. Communities remain divided with limited participation in public life and the protection of their rights as provided for in the legal framework remains a challenge. Therefore, the analyses in this article have been conducted so as to allow us to discover if the efforts undertaken by international community and subsequently by the Kosovo authorities as a part of state- and peace-building are only fictional or if they have really managed to enhance the position of communities, and thus contribute to long-lasting peace and reconciliation.U radu se analiziraju načini na koje je multikulturalizam zamišljen kao dio mirovnoga procesa i procesa izgradnje kosovske države u razdoblju nakon sukoba. Nakon sukoba na Kosovu 1999. godine i intervencije NATO-a, pokušaji međunarodne zajednice da se situacija normalizira odrazili su se u zakonskim i političkim rješenjima. Rezolucija 1244 Vijeća sigurnosti UN-a osigurala je zaštitu i promicanje ljudskih prava svih kosovskih građana. Ipak, s obzirom na povrede ljudskih prava i na netrpeljivost koja je vladala među nacionalnim zajednicama, međunarodna im je zajednica bila prisiljena posvetiti veću pozornost. Zakonsku zaštitu nacionalnim zajednicama pruža Ustavni okvir Kosova te ostali zakonski propisi Privremene administrativne misije Ujedinjenih naroda na Kosovu (UNMIK-a). Ustavni okvir uveo je zaštitu prava zajednica na Kosovu kako bi izrazio poštovanje svim zajednicama i osigurao im trajni boravak na Kosovu te kako bi prepoznao vrijednost njihovih socio-kulturoloških razlika. Vrlo visoke standarde ljudskih prava zajednicama također su zajamčili dokumenti proizašli iz političkih procesa na kojima se temeljila izgradnja državnosti Kosova. Nakon proglašenja kosovske neovisnosti prava su zajednica stekla status ustavne kategorije. To je uključivalo pravo zastupanja zajednica i pravo na sudjelovanje u javnom životu kao i pravo na ulaganje veta na zakone od značajnog interesa. Uvođenje multikulturalizma kao ustavne kategorije zakonskom zaštitom ljudskih prava označilo je preokret u načinu na koji kosovsko društvo gleda budućnost i suživot u različitostima. No usprkos zakonskim i političkim potezima međunarodnih i kosovskih vlasti, postavlja se pitanje jesu li ti potezi uspjeli omogućiti zajednicama veći doprinos javnom životu u inkluzivnom kontekstu Kosova. Nacionalne su zajednice i dalje podijeljene te ograničeno sudjeluju u javnome životu, dok provedba zakonom zajamčene zaštite njihovih prava i dalje predstavlja izazov. Stoga je ova analiza imala cilj utvrditi jesu li nastojanja međunarodne zajednice i kosovskih vlasti da izgrade mir i državu bila uzaludna ili su ipak uspjela osnažiti zajednice te na taj način pridonijeti dugotrajnom miru i procesu pomirbe

The Application of Article 103 of the United Nations Charter in the European Courts: The quest for regime compatibility on fundamental rights

This contribution identifies and examines three approaches of the European courts to application of certain United Nations Security Council (SC) resolutions that trigger concerns for violations of fundamental rights in their respective legal orders. This analysis argues that a balance between the United Nations (UN) superior norm and preservation of fundamental rights should be aimed outside the monist and dualist constraints of interpretation, where the courts either obey art 103 of the UN Charter trumping fundamental rights (subordination approach), or detach from the UN system in order to safeguard fundamental rights of their autonomous regimes (detachment approach). This submission suggests that further exploration of norms and techniques of treaty interpretation found in the Al-Jedda and Nada cases of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), coupled with constructive contribution of scholars provide tools allowing regime compatibility and harmonization that disturb neither coherence nor autonomy of the respective regimes (harmonization approach) in the world of legal plurality

Gender and Culture Effect in Fashion Luxury Goods Consumption

Earlier studies have indicated that gender have an effect on the motivators to purchase fashion luxury goods. It was stated that women and men have different intentions when purchasing these kind of goods. Moreover, earlier studies have shown that culture will as well have an impact on the motivators of the consumers to acquire fashion luxury goods. Where consumers from different culture are motivated differently in purchasing fashion luxury goods. In the study the major intrinsic and extrinsic motivators to purchase fashion luxury goods are identified and analyzed. The identified motivators are: aesthetics, perceived extended self, hedonism, quality, esteem, expression of oneself, social status and symbolism, political, bandwagon effect, and conspicuousness. Moreover, Hofstede cultural dimensions is analyzed and some of dimensions are used in the study based on their relation to the motivators identified. The dimensions used in this study are: individualism/collectivism, masculinity/femininity, indulgence/restrain, and power distance. The data for the empirical research is collected via online surveys, which were distributed by using facebook messages and group posts. The sample consists of 189 participants from various countries. The results of the study indicate that gender has an effect on the motivators to purchase fashion luxury goods. Where the female gender shows to have more interest on purchasing these goods for intrinsic purposes. The male gender shows to have more interest on purchasing fashion luxury goods for extrinsic purposes. Furthermore, the culture of the participants are grouped into clusters where then the results are interpreted from those. Based on the results it is concluded that culture has an effect on the motivators to purchase fashion luxury goods.fi=Opinnäytetyö kokotekstinä PDF-muodossa.|en=Thesis fulltext in PDF format.|sv=Lärdomsprov tillgängligt som fulltext i PDF-format

Accommodating the Right to Development in Kosovo: A Human Rights Perspective

  Abstract: The right to development is the right of individuals and peoples to an enabling environment for development that is equitable, sustainable, and participatory and in accordance with the full range of human rights and fundamental freedoms. A wide range of international law on development exists, and numerous Declarations and Programs of Action from the UN World Conferences have been proclaimed.  Nevertheless, due to its nature and its legal status the right to development continues to be one of the most contested rights in academic and political circles. The conflicting interpretation of the right to development and its contested legal status affects realization of development to which every human person is entitled by virtue of the right to development. But, if the right to development is read through the human rights ‘lenses’,  it can result in an interpretation that can be most helpful for its realization in practice. The relevance of interpretation of the right to development as a human right becomes imperative in transitional society such as the one in Kosovo where the environment continues to encounter legal and structural obstacles to development. In light of this situation the present paper analyses the relationship between human rights and development, the relevance of development in post conflict society and its impact on overcoming the transition and securing a lasting peace.&nbsp

General concept for strengthening the reinforced concrete column a wrapping of CF sheet

Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites (the combination of two or more materials). Used more often in the defense and aerospace industries, advanced composites are beginning to play the role of conventional materials (commodities) used for load-bearing structural components for infrastructure applications. These unique materials are now being used worldwide for building new structures as well as for rehabilitating in-service structures. “FRP” is an acronym for fiber reinforced polymers, which some also call fiber reinforced plastics, so called because of the fiber content in a polyester, vinyl ester, or other matrix. Three are commonly used (among others): composite containing glass fibers are called glass fiber reinforced polymers (GFRP): those containing carbon fibers are called carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) and those reinforced with aramid fibers are referred to as aramid fiber reinforced polymers (AFRP). This paper presents general concept for strengthening the reinforced concrete column a wrapping of CF sheet

Evolving International Practices for Protection of Human Rights- the UN Human Rights Advisory Panel and EU Human Rights Review Panel

Abstract: This article analyses the unique development of the international human rights non judicial protection mechanism in Kosovo. Since 1999 Kosovo has been placed under international supervision carried out by international organizations, namely the United Nations and the European Union. The UN’s Mission in Kosovo (UNMK) was unprecedented both in scope and structural complexity. After the Declaration of Independence by Kosovo authorities on 17 February 2008, the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo EULEX took over to assist and support the Kosovo authorities in the rule of law area, specifically in the areas of the police, the judiciary and customs. The UNMIK’s extensive mandate and EULEXs limited executive powers in practice have affected human rights of Kosovars as a consequence of the UNMIK and EULEX actions and inactions in the course of exercise of their mandates. This study will try to reveal the processes that lead to establishment of these two unique international human rights Panels and their impact on human rights protection of individuals under international administration. The main question to be addressed is if these two human rights panels are providing the adequate remedy for addressing human rights violations by international actors in a post conflict Kosovo

Strengthening the reinforced concrete column with CF sheet

Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites (the combination of two or more materials). The strengthening of concrete members means using constructional measures to restore or improve their load-carrying capacity, serviceability, durability or fatigue strength. The effects of strengthening measures can generally be described in quantitative terms and therefore analyzed numerically for reinforced concrete columns designed according to the earlier editions of DIN 1045, ACI Committee 440, 2002, there are some strengthening assignments that fall midway between redesign and sprayed concrete. It is for these projects that wrapping with fiber-reinforced materials is to be recommended. This method has already been used frequently in Europe and elsewhere, often on the basis of design codes or guides covering the subsequent strengthening of reinforced concrete compression members by means of wrapping with fiber-reinforced materials. This paper presents an example for strengthening the reinforced concrete column a wrapping of CF sheet externall

Provedba mirovnih sporazuma u ustavnosudskoj praksi u Bosni i Hercegovini, Kosovu i Sjevernoj Makedoniji

This article examines implementation of the peace settlement compromises translated into constitutional arrangements in Bosnia and Hercegovina, Kosovo and North Macedonia. The three countries struggle with their violent past, loss of interethnic trust and political fragmentation. Consequently, the implementation of peace settlement compromises that are translated into constitutional arrangements is hampered. Through analyses of constitutional jurisprudence in three countries this study provides further insights into the effectiveness and enforcement of the constitutional choices in practice. The article concludes that international supporters in the process of negotiation of peace settlements need to revisit the international assistance in constitution-making as a part of peacebuilding projects through the lens of constitutional review practices.U ovom se članku analizira provedba mirovnih sporazuma koji su preneseni u ustavne poretke u Bosni i Hercegovini, Kosovu i Sjevernoj Makedoniji. Ovim su državama zajednički problemi koji proizlaze iz proteklih sukoba, gubitka međuetničkog povjerenja i političke fragmentiranosti. Sve to otežava provedbu dogovora iz mirovnih sporazuma koji su preneseni u njihove ustavne poretke. Analizirajući ustavno sudovanje u te tri države, ovaj rad prikazuje učinkovitost i provedbu ustavnih odluka u praksi. Autorica zaključuje da međunarodni pomagači u procesu pregovora o mirovnim sporazumima moraju ponovno promisliti o međunarodnoj pomoći u pisanju ustava, kao dijelu mirovnih inicijativa, a sve kroz prizmu sudske prakse u kontroli ustavnosti

Making vending machines smarter with the use of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence: Set-up and Architecture

Machine Learning and Robust Optimization techniques can significantly improve logistics operations and improve stock quantity and maintenance intervals. Machine Learning will be used to forecast item demands for each of the vending machines, taking into account past demands and calendar effects. By performing such predictions which are forwarded to a Robust Optimization model, and whose outputs will be the cash transport that each vending machine should require. These transports guarantee that demand is fulfilled up to the desired confidence level, preventing downtime of vending machines due to unplanned maintenance and out-of-stock situations, while also satisfying additional constraints arising in this particular domain. As a result of such operations, we expect productivity improvements of vending machines from 20-40%

Public Administration in an Atypical Transition and the Need for the Agents of Europeanisation in Kosovo

This article investigates public administration reform in Kosovo by: a) analysing the extent to which an atypical transition affects administrative and governance reforms, b) examining the Europeanisation process and efforts to harmonise legislation with the European Union’s acquis communautaire as the main driving force towards a successful transition, and c) reiterating the relevance and function of the educational system in the Europeanisation process. The article addresses the following question: can the Europeanisation process be accomplished successfully when the educational system, which is limited in scale, does not manage to generate a sufficient number of Europeanisation agents? In post1999 Kosovo, public administration has been undergoing continuous reforms to detach itself from the discriminatory legacy of communist and Serbian rule, to transfer authorities from internationally established bodies to local ones, to enhance capacity-building through international assistance, and to move forward with further reforms as  part of Kosovo’s EU integration efforts. Public administration reforms remain affected by past legacies, namely the atypical transition characterised by a post-WWII communist dictatorship, the Serbian apartheid-like discrimination in the 1990s, an UN-led interim administration, and challenges of capacity-building. The article concludes that without a fully consolidated and crisis-resistant democracy neither the initiated public administration reform based on the values of good governance, nor the “fair and just” distribution of resources in society have a perspective. For instance, to comply successfully with the public administration reform obligations set out in the EU’s Stabilisation and Association Agreement, Kosovo needs greater capacities and professionals serving as Europeanisation agents. As a result, much larger investments in education, research, and development appear to be paramount. An increase in the quality of education and study capacities, as well as better opportunities for social inclusion would improve the performance of public administration and enhance good governance