Pristina, November 19, 2024 – The Ombudsperson, Mr. Naim Qelaj presented on Tuesday the ex-officio report 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 the obstacles to realization of benefits defined by law.

Ombudsperson, Mr. Naim Qelaj said that this round table aims to open the discussion about the current challenges and difficulties faced by the victims of sexual violence of the war. He said that victims need continuous support by not allowing them to remain isolated, to fight prejudice and to offer treatment and support to all.

“As a society, we have responsibilities and obligations in relation to the victims of war, recognizing their pain and suffering that they have gone through and then establishing justice as a guarantee that these crimes do not go unpunished and a guarantee of non-repetition,” he said.

The President of Kosovo, Mrs. Vjosa Osmani Sadriu said that the road to justice is never easy and it is not over. “The verification process that started a few years ago through the commission is just the beginning in support of the survivors. We still have a lot of work to do—work to ensure that every survivor receives the support and recognition they need to rebuild their lives, but above all that those responsible for the crimes are brought to justice,” said President Osmani Sadriu.

The Minister of Justice, Albulena Haxhiu, said that one of the most important efforts that must be added as a society is to fight the prejudices and stigmatization that still follows the survivors. “No one should feel shame for an imposed pain, and no one should feel the burden of silence”, said Minister Haxhiu.

Discussions continued with contributions from other institutional representatives, such as from the judiciary and prosecution sector, members of the Assembly of Kosovo and representatives from civil society organizations, and in particular those organizations that have worked with victims of sexual violence during the war.

The report has identified some legal loopholes, and has recommended changes and additions 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.

Among the many issues addressed in this report, the Ombudsperson emphasizes 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.

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.