Prishtina, April 14, 2025
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, together with the First Deputy Prime Minister, Besnik Bislimi, the Third Deputy Prime Minister, Emilja Rexhepi, the Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, Saranda Bogujevci and other members of the government cabinet, elected deputies and representatives of institutions, paid homage at the Heroinat Memorial on the Memorial Day of Survivors of Sexual Violence during the War in Kosovo.
On the Memorial Day of Survivors of Sexual Violence during the Last War in Kosovo, we honor every woman and man who experienced and survived this grave and inhumane crime systematically used by the Serbian occupying forces. We honor Marte Tunaj, Vasfije Krasniqi Goodman, Shyrete Tahiri Suliman, who courageously testified to the truth about Serbia’s crimes in Kosovo, and for thousands of other women and men who survived sexual violence during the war in Kosovo. Today, with extraordinary courage, Ramadan Nishori broke the silence and became the first public voice of male survivors of sexual violence during the war. This is a powerful call for society to support other male survivors, who continue to face prejudice and numerous difficulties in seeking the rights they are entitled to, the Prime Minister said after the tributes.
He announced that on this symbolic day, in accordance with the law, we are extending the application period to the Government Commission for the verification and recognition of the status of survivors of sexual violence during the war, with the aim that no survivor is left without the opportunity to seek the recognition and support they deserve. According to the new decision of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo, the Government Commission for the Recognition and Verification of the Status of Persons Maltreated during the Kosovo Liberation War is extended until May 15, 2028, while the deadline for submitting a request for recognition of the status of the victim of sexual violence during the war is extended until May 15, 2027.
The Prime Minister emphasized that sexual violence was systematically used by Serbia as a tool of war in Kosovo during 1998-99, while adding that after 23 years of impunity, in July 2021, a step towards justice was marked, with the first conviction of war criminal Zoran Vukotić for sexual violence against an Albanian woman in Vushtrri. These crimes are neither subject to a statute of limitations nor are they forgiven” he concluded.
Full speech by Prime Minister Kurti:
On the Memorial Day of Survivors of Sexual Violence during the Last War in Kosovo, we honor every woman and man who experienced and survived this grave and inhumane crime systematically used by the Serbian occupying forces.
We honor Marte Tunaj, Vasfije Krasniqi Goodman, Shyrete Tahiri-Sulejmani, who courageously testified to the truth about Serbia’s crimes in Kosovo, and for thousands of other women and men who survived sexual violence during the war in Kosovo.
With extraordinary courage, today, Ramadan Nishori broke the silence and became the first public voice of male survivors of sexual violence during the war. This is a strong call for society to support other male survivors, who continue to face prejudice and numerous difficulties in seeking the rights they are entitled to.
The Government of Kosovo expresses its full solidarity with all survivors and is committed to justice, recognition and continued support. On this symbolic day, in accordance with the law, we are extending the application period to the Government Commission for the verification and recognition of the status of survivors of sexual violence during the war, with the aim that no survivor is left without the opportunity to seek the recognition and support they deserve.
The silence and stigma that still weighs on this war crime continue to prevent thousands of survivors from seeking justice and support. It is our duty as a society to offer our maximum support, with solidarity and empathy.
Sexual violence was systematically used by Serbia as a tool of war in Kosovo during 1998-99. After 23 years of impunity, in July 2021, a step towards justice was marked with the first conviction of war criminal Zoran Vukotić for sexual violence against an Albanian woman in Vushtrri. These crimes are not subject to statute of limitations or forgiveness.
This day is a reminder that we will never allow the pain, suffering and sacrifice of survivors to be forgotten or ignored. By confronting the past, seeking justice and with solidarity, we can build a peaceful society and a just future for all.
Last modified: April 15, 2025