Pristina, August 30th 2023 – The Ombudsperson, Naim Qelaj hosted the Under-Secretary-General (USG), Christian Saunders, Special Coordinator on improving the United Nations’ response to sexual exploitation and abuse, Christian Saunders.

The Ombudsperson informed Saunders about his mandate and powers, as well as about the work and activities of the Institution in relation to the protection and promotion of human rights.

Mr. Qelaj said that the local legislation includes a number of laws that regulate this issue, such as the Criminal Code, the Criminal Procedure Code, the Law on Protection from Discrimination, the Law on Gender Equality, the Labor Law, the Law on Public Officials and others.

The Ombudsperson emphasized, among other things, that the biggest challenge remains the low level of reporting of cases of sexual abuse.