12 October 2020, Pristina – Within the scope of marking the Pride Week in Kosovo, the Ombudsperson Institution, as an equality protection body, draws attention on guaranteeing the basic human rights for members of the LGBTI population, who are still one of the most vulnerable groups in our society.

Strongly committed to the idea that human beings are born free and equal in terms of dignity and rights, the Ombudsperson Institution recalls that all men and women, citizens of this country, are equal and that the state has a duty to protect their rights guaranteed by the Constitution of Kosovo and the Law on Protection from Discrimination.

Pride Week was established so that policy makers, decision makers, the public and the media are actively involved in protecting LGBTI persons from open and unconcealed homophobia demonstration. In order for this fight to be effective, it must be supported by continuously sanctioning any act committed out of hatred on the basis of sexual orientation.

Aware of the challenges, the Ombudsman Institution will be the guardian of the protection of the rights and freedoms of the LGBTI community, being their voice in articulating both legitimate and just demands, as well as constitutional demands for treatment with dignity and equality, like any other citizen of the Republic of Kosovo.