Pristina, September 13, 2023 – Ombudsperson, Mr. Naim Qelaj participated in the publication of the Performance Audit report “Effectiveness of institutions in dealing with cases of domestic violence”, published by the National Audit Office (NAO), with technical assistance from UN Women Kosovo.

The report is focused on the process of handling cases of domestic violence, from the moment of reporting to the police to the follow-up of the cases by the courts. The report is focused on the region of Pristina and Peja, because these two regions have the largest number of reported cases of violence, and covers the period 2020-2022.

The report found that although the responsible public institutions have taken actions to deal with cases of domestic violence, no satisfactory results have been achieved for the protection and rehabilitation of the victims.

The report states that the state system has shortcomings in the engagement of primary investigators, involvement of victims’ defenders, timely review of cases by justice bodies, as well as registration of reported cases. Also, it was found that the victims of domestic violence do not have social support, and in particular their support is lacking in economic terms.

Also, the report underlines that there are deficiencies in the adequate engagement of human resources, in monitoring procedures and in supporting victims during rehabilitation. Another worrying issue has been highlighted in the delays in handling cases of domestic violence by the courts, which based on the statistics provided, it appears that such a case takes more than a year to be handled by the courts in the country.

Ombudsperson Qelaj said that despite the many years of efforts of the institutions, despite the commitment and measures taken, the cases of domestic violence have increased. He said that the increase in cases can be taken as a result of awareness and reporting such cases, but this does not avoid the fact that domestic violence is very present in our society. He emphasized that this increases the need for institutions, and in general as a society, to react and take all measures to fight this phenomenon.

“If I refer to the recommendations and findings that emerged from the performance audit report by the National Audit Office and those that we have addressed to the institutions in recent years, I can say that the first thing that should be mentioned in this case is empowerment of reporting, accountability and responsibility mechanisms,” said Mr. Qelaj.

In 2020, 2,069 cases of domestic violence were reported. In 2021, 2,456 cases were reported and in 2022, 2,759 cases of domestic violence were reported.

The summary report was presented by the General Auditor, Mrs. Vlora Spanca. Also present was the minister of justice, Mrs. Albulena Haxhiu.