Kosovo
Kosovo
Post-conflict recovery in Kosovo is dependent on inter-ethnic cooperation and the full and effective integration of women into peace and reconciliation processes. During the Kosovo War (1998-1999), approximately 20,000 women were the targets of systematic rape, and rates of sexual and gender-based violence, including domestic violence and trafficking, have remained high since the end of the crisis. Obstacles remain for survivors who seek justice— including limited freedoms, few decision-making roles held by women, and strong social stigma associated with rape.
In 2014, Kosovo incorporated the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) into its constitution, formulated domestic laws in order to comply with European Union requirements on gender equality, and set forth a National Action Plan in compliance with Resolution 1325. Unfortunately, little compliance and few enforcement mechanisms have hindered progress.
Based on the work of NGOWG members and their partners, the NGOWG urges the Security Council to address women’s unequal access to economic resources, education, public services, and post-conflict peacebuilding programs.
Current and Past Recommendations to the UN Security Council (Monthly Action Points)
Kosovo (April 2013)
When discussing the expected UNMIK report, the Council should request information on the advancement of human rights, as mandated by the Security Council (SCR 1244 OP11; and SCR 1889, OP5). This includes women’s right to political participation, and the prosecution of war crimes, including crimes of sexual violence, as well as the need for protection of witnesses. Given the concerns surrounding the safety of women’s human rights, including recent attacks on women’s human rights defenders, the Council should ensure it inquires into efforts regarding investigations and the State Prosecutor to ensure that an independent, impartial and thorough investigation is carried out into such assaults, and into the threats made women human rights defenders. The Council should also inquire into efforts to urge the State Prosecutor to provide immediate and appropriate protection to women human rights defenders, as set out in the Law on Witness Protection, and take further measures to guarantee human rights defenders their right to freedom of expression, and inquire as to steps taken by the Prime Minister to ensure the government implements immediately in law, policy and in practice the provisions of the UN Declaration on human rights defenders.
Relevant Resources
