Prishtinë, 15 June 2022 – Ombudsperson Institution (OI) continues to organize and hold the next activity regarding the ex-officio reproductive health inquiry, focusing on three main issues: maternal health, family planning and abortion in Kosovo.

As pointed out in the information published in November 2021 and February 2022, this general inquiry has been spread out in rural and urban areas, in all country’s regions and is based on direct evidence from women / girls, to whom, directly or indirectly, the rights with regard to sexual and reproductive health have been potentially violated.

Work methodology for conducting this inquiry is in line with Ombudsperson’s working principles, which include: good governance, transparency, inclusiveness, non-discrimination, gender sensitivity, confidentiality, as well as will follow the principle of not causing any  harmful practices.

Just for recollection, this inquiry does not replace the role of the judiciary and other law enforcement bodies, but represents Ombudsperson’s follow-up work, pursuant to constitutional and legal mandate, with regard to protection of human rights and freedoms, closely connected to “The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”, especially with some aims of Goal 3: “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.”; and the Goal 5: “Achieve Gender Equality and Empower All Women and Girls.”

In fulfillment of the public dimension of this inquiry, the OI announces that after organizing and holding the activities so far, it will continue with the next activity which is the organization and holding of the second round of focus groups with potential victims of violation of sexual and reproductive health rights, in the region of Prishtina, Peja, Gjakova, Prizren, Mitrovica, Gjilan and Ferizaj, as continuation of the focus groups activity held in the autumn of 2021.

In order to increase the inclusion of women and girls from rural areas, as well as the inclusion of marginalized or slightly more vulnerable social categories, this round of focus groups is held on the dates and locations specified below.:

On 17 June 2022 in Deçan

On 20 June 2022 in Kamenica

On 22 June 2022 in Kaçanik

On 23 June 2022 in Skenderaj

On 24 June in Gracanica

On 27 June in Suhareka

On 29 June 2022  in Gjakova

The OI makes a public call for information regarding the three issues in the focus of this inquiry and encourages women and girls, who consider that they can share their experiences with us and can contribute with their testimonies from the perspective of the issues highlighted above, to become part of focus group meetings by regions where they live and work.

Women and girls, as well as other interested parties who are willing to share their experiences of the above, can call IA 0800 15555 (free of charge). For any references, testimonies or experiences shared in interviews and focus groups, anonymity will be maintained.