Prishtinë, 30 May 2021 – Ombudsperson Institution exposes the concern regarding the recent video published in Prishtina, where a child is brutally beaten by his peers and the other one in Gjakova in which a child is also brutally beaten.

Violence against and between children is intolerable!

All forms of violence and abuse endanger and damage physical, mental and moral integrity of the child as well as constitute violation of child’s fundamental rights, defined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo and the Law on Child Protection.

The Law on Child Protection obliges institutions to develop and enforce policies and programs in order to ensure protection of children, prevention of danger to life and any kind of violence. Children must be protected from violence regardless of the place it is committed, specifically in educational institutions

The OI calls upon relevant schools to handle the cases until they are resolved as well as ensure that children who are victims of bullying are safe and receive appropriate psychological support. Furthermore, all children involved in violence should receive psychological treatment from schools.

OI calls upon Kosovo Police, which deal with cases, to act immediately in accordance with the foreseen legal procedures

OI calls on MEST to cooperate with schools and the municipality in order to address this problem as soon as possible and in efficient manner.

The OI also calls upon all institutions, civil society as well as citizens of Republic of Kosovo to set in motion and address violence since fighting and violence prevention is the responsibility which belong to the entire society.