Prishtina, 16 October, 2024
On the occasion of marking the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Kosovo Center for the Rehabilitation of Torture Survivors, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, participated today in the International Conference on Sexual Violence Related to Conflict as a key speaker of the conference.
With the theme “Advancement of Rights and Change of Life for Survivors of Sexual Violence in Conflict”, just one day after marking the International Day of Rural Women, Prime Minister Kurti emphasized that in these 25 years, the role of civil society organizations, especially of those led by women, was vital.
“Despite the indelible traumas, the survivors of sexual violence during the war have shown extraordinary strength to build a new life”, said the Prime Minister.
He said that as a state and a society, we are moving forward, as we work to deal with the past, with our common commitment to fight injustices, and to build a fairer and more sensitive society.
“With this aim, we approved for the first time after the end of the war, the Strategy for Transitional Justice. We have started the process of documenting the crimes committed during the war in Kosovo, for which I especially thank director Atdhe Hetemi, who is also present with us today. In order to guarantee gender sensitivity in this process, we are happy and lucky that Ms. Shyrete Tahiri Sylejmani has also been engaged in the Institute of crimes committed during the war in Kosovo. In order to facilitate as much as possible the application process of survivors to the Governmental Commission for the Recognition and Verification of the Status of Victims of Sexual Violence during the War, the Government will continue funding for the four authorized organizations”, said the Prime Minister.
In conclusion, the Prime Minister welcomed the presence of the Nobel laureate Dr. Denis Mukwege, for whom, as he said, his figure reminds us of the power of cooperation and solidarity in facing these wounds of society.
Prime Minister Kurti’s complete speech:
Honorable Mrs. Vjosa Osmani Sadriu, President of the Republic of Kosovo,
Honorable Mrs. Saranda Bogujevci, Deputy Speaker of the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo,
Dear Ms. Feride Rushiti, Executive Director of the Kosovar Center for the Rehabilitation of Torture Survivors,
Honorable Mrs. Vasfije Krasniqi Goodman, special envoy of the President for sexual violence during the war,
Honorable Shyhrete Tahiri Sulimani, human rights activist and also special envoy
Honorable Mr. Denis Mukwege, human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate,The honorable leader of the majority of Alternativa, Mrs. Mimoza Kusari Lila,
Dear MPs, representatives and heads of state institutions,
Dear ambassadors and other diplomats of accredited countries in our republic,
Dear representatives of civil society institutions and organizations,
Survivor girlfriends and survivors of sexual violence during the war,
ladies and gentlemen,
Dear attendees,
This year we mark a quarter of a century of the common journey to freedom, of our efforts to face and treat the wounds of war.
In these 25 years, the role of civil society organizations, especially those led by women, was vital. They have proven that the protection of human rights, in addition to being an institutional duty, is a humanitarian mission that requires commitment, courage and empathy. In addition to providing support to survivors of sexual violence during the war, women’s organizations have also contributed to the drafting of policies that advance transitional justice, and that reflect the realities and needs of survivors.
Despite the indelible traumas, the survivors of sexual violence during the war have shown extraordinary strength to build a new life. Therefore, in addition to the support, we have permanent and deep gratitude for them.
Dear ladies and gentlemen,
As a state and a society, we are moving forward, as we work to deal with the past, with our common commitment to fight injustice and build a fairer and more sensitive society.
With this aim, we approved for the first time after the end of the war, the Strategy for Transitional Justice. We have started the process of documenting the crimes committed during the war in Kosovo, for which I especially thank director Atdhe Hetemi, who is also present with us today.
In order to guarantee gender sensitivity in this process, we are happy and lucky that Ms. Shyrete Tahiri Sylejmani has also been engaged in the Institute of crimes committed during the war in Kosovo.
In order to facilitate as much as possible the application process of survivors to the Governmental Commission for the Recognition and Verification of the Status of Victims of Sexual Violence during the War, the Government will continue funding for the four authorized organizations.
Together, we are strengthening our efforts to support survivors, to bring justice.
The presence of Dr. Mukwege today, reminds us of the power of cooperation and solidarity in dealing with these wounds of society. Therefore, we continue this path together, with the belief that the future we are building will be better for everyone.
Happy 25th anniversary of the Kosovo Center for the Rehabilitation of Torture Survivors!
Thank you!
Last modified: October 17, 2024