UNMIK/PR/460
PRESS RELEASE - 30 December 2000

War Invalids to Receive Benefits

War invalids and the next-of-kin of those who died as a result of armed conflict in Kosovo will get financial payments, free access to public health care and rehabilitations centers and exemption from taxes under a new regulation signed by SRSG Bernard Kouchner (No.2000/66).

The regulation sets up a special fund to provide benefits for eligible war invalids and the next of kin of the victims of conflict. Resource will be allocated from the Kosovo Consolidated Budget, with some funds originating from contributions administered through the Budget. The fund itself will be administered by the Department of Health and Social Welfare.

That Department, by means of a Central Medical Panel, will determine the eligibility of each war invalid, taking into account the level of the persons's disability. The SRSG will issue an administrative direction which will set forth the categories of beneficiaries, levels of disability and corresponding entitlements. War invalids will then be issued special identification documents in order to obtain benefits.

The  Department of Health and Welfare will also determine the eligibility of next of kin of those who died as a result of armed conflict in Kosovo, and they too shall receive benefits under the special fund.

No benefits will be paid to any person in respect of the death or injury of an individual that occurred while that individual was carrying out acts determined by a competent court to constitute war crimes or crimes against humanity, the regulation stipulates.

The regulation states that 'war invalids' shall cover combatants, including members of the former KLA and civilians.

Regulation 2000/66 is available at the UNMIK Press Office.