Press release – The Ombudsperson published the report related to the victims of sexual violence during the war
24/10/2024
Pristina, October 23, 2024 – The Ombudsperson published the ex-officio Report 436/2023, regarding the respect of human rights during the process of recognition and verification of the status of the victim of sexual violence during the liberation war in Kosovo and related to the obstacles to the realization of benefits defined by law.
The Ombudsperson has identified some legal loopholes, and has recommended amendments and supplements to the legislation, in order to strengthen the protection of victims’ rights in the process of application and status recognition, as well as enabling the enjoyment of benefits guaranteed by law.
Specifically, among many issues addressed in this report, the Ombudsperson states the importance of ensuring the provision of health services in primary, secondary and tertiary level public institutions free of charge for victims.
The report also emphasizes the legal guarantee of the provision of psycho-social services for victims, the provision of necessary documents in order to enable the realization of benefits, as well as the non-limitation of the time limit for submitting requests for recognition and verification of status.
The report aims to highlight the challenges and problems faced by survivors, demanding concrete actions from the institutions responsible for improving the situation and guaranteeing the protection of their rights.
An important part of this process is the commitment to address the legal loopholes and ensure the receipt of the necessary services, contributing to a more effective support for victims, as well as creating an environment where their rights are fully respected.
Report in English available soon at www.oik-rks.org