An independent report has sharply criticised the way the United Nations refugee agency handled the Kosovo crisis.

The report compiled by academics and non governmental organisations says the agency treated the exodus of more than three-quarters of a million ethnic Albanians from the province as a routine emergency.

It was understaffed and often late in responding to the situation on the ground.

The agency's work was also hampered by limited funds and cumbersome decision-making.

But the report points out that the shortcomings did not have serious consequences for the refugees.

Meanwhile a report into the current situation in Kosovo has warned of a deterioration in the conditions of Serbian and other ethnic minorities in the province.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service