Pristina, October 21, 2022 – The Ombudsperson, Mr. Naim Qelaj welcomed Mrs. Delphine Borione, Ambassador for Human Rights of France, former ambassador of France in Kosovo.

Mr. Qelaj informed Ambassador Borione about the work and activities of the Institution of the Ombudspoerson (IAP), the powers and the mandate, as well as generally regarding the state of human rights in the country.

The Ombudsperson Qelaj also spoke about the current situation in the country related to Kosovo’s application to the Council of Europe, stressing that membership in this organization will have a positive effect on improving human rights and providing the opportunity for citizens to have an address to seek justice, and asked Ms. Borione the support of the French state regarding this process.

He also discussed the issue of the rights of minority communities, the position of women in society, and domestic violence. In addition, Mr. Qelaj also discussed war crimes and the need for this issue to be given more priority by the state, in order to establish justice for all victims of these crimes, including the right of families to know about their missing loved ones, and also for survivors of sexual violence during the war.

He also informed Ambassador Borione about the work that the IAP is doing in combating hate speech and hate crimes, stressing that a report on this issue will be published by the end of this year.

Ambassador Borione expressed her satisfaction for the meeting and for her return to Kosovo, being glad for many developments that have been made in the country. She emphasized the great importance of the cooperation of the IAP with other international mechanisms, welcoming the contribution of the IAP in this regard.

Ms. Borione is participating in the International Forum for Women, Peace and Security, organized by the President of the Republic of Kosovo, Mrs. Vjosa Osmani.