Pristina, 12 October - After ten years of living in appalling conditions in the Cesmin Lug camp, the Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian (RAE) families have been resettled. On 01 October 2010 the last barracks of Cesmin Lug camp were demolished.

This breakthrough was made possible with the joint efforts of USAID and EU funded projects in full coordination with other stakeholders. The main objective of both projects remains the closure of lead contaminated camps, and the remaining camp in Osterode is expected to be closed by the end of June 2011.

Fifty RAE families were resettled in Roma Mahalla during September 2010 under the USAID-funded project. The EU-funded project will ensure resettlement of an additional 90 RAE families currently living in the Osterode camp.

Both USAID and the EU decided to have an integrated approach and have chosen one implementing partner to address the needs and constraints of RAE families in the areas of housing, medical screening and treatment, economic development and livelihood initiatives to support a more durable reintegration.

The projects will also address community development activities to facilitate sustained, peaceful reintegration and reconciliation between the resettled and the receiving community. Specific support is foreseen for local health authorities to allow for proper medical services in Roma Mahalla, as well as specific medical treatment for children suffering from lead contamination.

The projects are implemented in full cooperation with the government of Kosovo, Mitrovica municipality, and a number of international and national organisations. The projects are implemented by Mercy Corps on behalf of both USAID and the EU.