Ombudsman seeks to prevent discrimination against elderly by commercial banks

In the media communiqué, it is said that currently, according to data from the Ministry of Labour and Social Management, the total number of pensioners in the Republic of Kosovo totals 2,06,534.

On the other hand, in Kosovo, there are 11 commercial banks that conduct their activity in line with “Law. 04/093” for Banks, Microfinancial Institutions and non-bank Financial Institutions, as well as the underground acts of Kosovo Central Bank.

However, under bank services, commercial banks have not created access to credit for the category of persons over the age of 65, namely the category of pensioners, resulting in uneven treatment and discrimination among different categories on the basis of the age of citizens. Based on legal analysis and that of the actual situation, the Ombudsman's institution through this report has recommended the Central Bank and the Association of Banks of Kosovo to take concrete action for the adoption of reforms in Kosovo's credit policies, with the aim of preventing discrimination against elderly citizens, respectively, for the exploitation of this type of banking service”, it is said in the Community of the Ombudsman.

On July 2nd, 2019, the Ombudsman's institution has accepted answers from the Kosovo Central Bank, through which it has been informed that the CEC has asked for all commercial banks to reconsider their policies, and has demanded commitment in accordance with the ombudsman's recommendations, which will then be subject to BQC's examination.

Under the framework of its commitment to the ombudsman's recommendations and believes pensioners will not be discriminated against, but will have equal access and access to bank services for taking loans”, said the communique.