Pristina, October 27, 2026 – Regarding institutional responsibility for the prevention of violence against women and the effective protection of the right to life, the Ombudsperson Institution (OI) and the Forum for Dialogue between the OI and Civil Society Organizations—in light of the recent murder of Ms. Arlinda Zekaj—express their deep concern regarding the persistent occurrence of violence against women. Such acts violate fundamental human rights and freedoms, specifically the right to life, safety, and human dignity.

Reiterating that the protection of life and the prevention of violence against women constitute fundamental state obligations, the OI and the Forum assert that such cases require—beyond merely addressing the consequences—a sustainable institutional approach focused on prevention, effective protection, and accountability. In accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo, the European Convention on Human Rights, and the standards developed in the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights, public authorities have a positive obligation to take reasonable and effective measures to protect the lives of individuals—particularly when they are aware, or ought to be aware, of the existence of a real and immediate risk. Fulfilling this obligation requires the responsible authorities to act with due diligence, in a timely and coordinated manner, ensuring that the measures taken are commensurate with the nature and degree of the identified risk.

In this context, the IAP and the Forum emphasize the importance of the full and effective implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (the Istanbul Convention). The standards set forth in this Convention require a comprehensive approach—one based on the prevention of violence, the protection of victims, the prosecution of perpetrators, and the development of coordinated institutional policies. The IAP and the Forum call upon the responsible public institutions—within the scope of their legal competencies and obligations—to strengthen mechanisms for early identification, individual and ongoing risk assessment, and the timely implementation of appropriate protective measures. Particular attention must be paid to taking every report of violence seriously, assessing the history of such violence, identifying factors that indicate an escalation of risk, and ensuring the effective enforcement of judicial decisions and protective measures.

At the same time, we emphasize the need to strengthen coordination among law enforcement agencies, judicial bodies, social services, and other responsible mechanisms, so that the protection of victims is not limited to isolated procedural actions, but is instead ensured through an integrated, continuous, and effective institutional response. The IAP and the Forum maintain that every serious instance of violence requires a thorough, impartial, and objective review of the actions and omissions of the responsible authorities. This process aims to identify potential shortcomings, establish legal accountability, and implement measures to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents. Institutional accountability—alongside individual responsibility—should also serve as a mechanism for improving practices and strengthening the protection system.

Recognizing the importance of cooperation between public institutions and civil society, the IAP and the Forum reaffirm their shared commitment to promoting and protecting human rights, amplifying the voice of civil society, and advancing institutional accountability. In this regard, dialogue, the monitoring of compliance with legal obligations, and the addressing of systemic deficiencies remain vital tools for strengthening the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms.

The effective protection of the right to life cannot be assessed solely by the existence of legal guarantees, but, above all, by their implementation in practice. Preventing violence against women requires timely institutional action, clear accountability, and protective measures that offer genuine safety to those at risk.

The Ombudsperson’s Institution
Forum for Dialogue between the Ombudsperson’s Institution and Civil Society Organizations

Civil society organizations supporting this joint statement:

Shoqata Down Syndrome Kosova

AVONET

Qendra Kosovare për Studime Gjinore

CSGD

CEL Kosova

Group for Legal and Political Studies

SOS Children’s Villages Kosovo

NGO EcoZ

Forumi Kosovar i Aftësisë së Kufizuar

CDF

Koalicioni i OJQ-ve për Mbrojtjen e Fëmijëve – KOMF

ACDC

OJQ EC Ma Ndryshe

Advancing Together -AT

Save the Children

KallxoPerNime/Drejtesia në Kosovë

KRCT

KGVK