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 (January 2016)
As the Security Council considers the report of the Secretary-General on the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), Council members must continue to support women’s full participation in post-conflict peacebuilding, decision-making processes and projects to advance women’s human rights. This includes full implementation of the NAP on Women, Peace and Security, strengthening Kosovo’s civil society capacity to monitor and advise on governmental commitments to women, peace and security and providing protective services to survivors of domestic violence. Though Kosovo’s legal framework and mechanisms for gender equality are relatively comprehensive, implementation is uneven, and de facto discrimination against women and girls persists. The Council must address women’s unequal access to economic resources, education, public services, and post-conflict peacebuilding programs. Women and women’s organizations must be given the opportunity to participate in the prevention and countering of violent extremism. Post-conflict recovery in Kosovo is dependent on inter-ethnic cooperation. The Council must, therefore, support measures that ensure equitable access to justice and human rights for marginalized groups from all intersectional backgrounds, including ethnic minority women from the Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian communities, LGBTI persons and the disabled.
Relevant Resources
