Albanian Language Media:

 

• Osmani travels to New York, will meet world leaders (media)
• Rohde on the 10th anniversary of the Berlin Process (media)
• Ceku: We’ll never stop seeking justice and compensation vis-à-vis Serbia (media)
• Krasniqi implies closure of Serbian-run municipality in Gracanica (T7)
• Stano: No other step required for Ohrid Agreement to be in force (Nacionale)
• Molliqaj: According to VV criteria, Kurti and Svecla are Vucic’s associates (Koha)
• Serwer: Serbia trying to regain influence in north through loyal Serbs (KTV)
• Hoti: Ask Kurti, Osmani why Washington Agreement wasn’t implemented? (media)
• OSCE congratulates RTK on 25th anniversary (media)

 

Serbian Language Media:

 

• Kasanof: Lithium project helps Serbia; US wants progress in dialogue with Kosovo (VoA, media)
• PIK interrogates young men arrested last week in North Mitrovica regarding actions of police officers (KoSSev, Kosovo Online, media)
• Police Inspectorate confirmed it opened preliminary investigation in relation to arrest of four young Serbs in Mitrovica North (KoSSev)
• Patriarch Porfirije with Cardinal Parolin discusses endangerment of Christian heritage in Kosovo (Kosovo Online, N1)
• Nemec: Unacceptable for a small group of people in the WB to remain discriminated against (Kosovo Online)
• Vokrri criticizes EU decision to lift visa requirements for Serbian Coordination Directorate passports (KoSSev)
• Vucic informed Varhelyi about worrying situation in Kosovo (Tanjug, Kosovo Online)
• Gogic: Goal of social protection measures is to mitigate consequences of Pristina's unilateral decisions (Kosovo Online, media)

International: 

• Rural renaissance: Agritourism offers new vitality to Kosovo’s emptying villages (Prishtina Insight) 

 

Humanitarian/Development:

 

• Mural against femicide in Kosovo unveiled (Kosovapress)                                                                        

 

             Albanian Language Media  

 

 

Osmani travels to New York, will meet world leaders (media)

 

All media report that Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani traveled to New York where she is scheduled to meet world leaders, international organizations, and other activities as part of the high-level week of the United Nations General Assembly. A press release issued by Osmani’s office notes that in her meetings Osmani will discuss the latest developments in Kosovo “including Kosovo’s commitment to strengthen international position, and further relations with other countries to the benefit of our citizens”. Osmani’s agenda will also include a series of joint activities with the Albanian diaspora in the U.S.

 

Rohde on the 10th anniversary of the Berlin Process (media)

 

German Ambassador to Kosovo, Jorn Rohde, said in a post on X that he is “proud to see Germany hosting the Berlin Process on its 10th anniversary. Since its first edition 2014, it has fostered stronger ties between the WEB-6, European Union and partner nations. Together, we’re committed to boosting regional cooperation and supporting growth in Kosovo and the entire region”.

 

Ceku: We’ll never stop seeking justice and compensation vis-à-vis Serbia (media)

 

Kosovo’s Minister for Culture, Hajrulla Ceku, said in a Facebook post that “the Serbian culturicide in Kosovo had shocking consequences”. He said that in addition to numerous war crimes, it also targeted the cultural heritage of Kosovo. “1,784 destroyed monuments, 3,724 stolen artifacts, 175 destroyed libraries, 1.7 million exterminated books, tens of thousands of archived documents of monuments stolen, hundreds of works of art damaged and stolen. We sent the document report on these findings and recommendations for further action to the Institute for the Documentation of War Crimes. The report is a result of the work of the state committee appointed by the government, with members from state and professional institutions. We will never stop in our battle for justice and compensation vis-à-vis Serbia,” Ceku argued.

 

Krasniqi implies closure of Serbian-run municipality in Gracanica (T7)

 

Kosovo’s Minister for Local Government, Elbert Krasniqi, in an interview with T7, was asked about the closure of Serbian-run municipalities in Kosovo. Asked about the one in Gracanica, he said that it will be closed. “There is no room for Serbia’s institutions in Kosovo. I don’t know the date when it will be closed. I don’t want to banalize, but there is a parallel office in Skenderaj too, and it too will be closed,” he said. “After Prizren, Dragas, Klina, Istog, Mitrovica will be next. They will all be closed. No parallel municipality can exist in Kosovo”.

 

Stano: No other step required for Ohrid Agreement to be in force (Nacionale)

 

Spokesperson for the European Union, Peter Stano, did not comment on a statement by Kosovo chief negotiator Besnik Bislimi that EU special envoy Miroslav Lajcak told him that “work is being done” for Serbia to withdraw its letter about the Ohrid Agreement. In an interview with the news website, he said that these are “tactics to avoid” the implementation of the agreement on normalization and that he cannot comment “on all sorts of statements”.

 

“The agreement is not only legally and internationally binding, but in Serbia’s case it is also part of Chapter 35 in its process of membership in the EU,” Stano said. “The parties should not waste much time with these evasion tactics”.

 

Stano said that questions about what Serbia does, writes and withdraws, should be referred to the press office of the Serbian government, and that as far as the EU is concerned about the agreement “what is in fact relevant is the implementation of obligations of the Agreement without further delay or distractions”. 

 

“The EU and its member states were very clear with Kosovo and Serbia, in that the Ohrid Agreement from 2023 is final and binding according to international law both for Kosovo and Serbia, and that no other step is required for it to be in force”.

 

Molliqaj: According to VV criteria, Kurti and Svecla are Vucic’s associates (Koha)

 

Leader of the Social Democratic Party of Kosovo (PSD), Dardan Molliqaj, argued today that “according to criteria set by the Vetevendosje Movement about the Iber bridge it means that Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Interior Minister Xhelal Svecla are associates of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic”.

 

PSD members held a symbolic action at the Iber bridge today saying that the actions of the Kosovo government have “fattened the autonomy proposed by internationals” for that part of Kosovo. “Whoever in Kosovo said that the bridge should be opened through coordination, they [Vetevendosje] called them associates of Vucic. According to their criteria, Prime Minister Kurti and Minister Svecla are associates of Vucic, but not according to our criteria. We believe that this is a futile discussion. The bridge can and cannot be opened. The decision on this is clear – it rests with KFOR and the QUINT through Resolution 1244. Therefore these issues are not important, the path that this is taking us on is important,” Molliqaj argued.

 

Serwer: Serbia trying to regain influence in north through loyal Serbs (KTV)

 

U.S. political commentator on the Balkans, Daniel Serwer, said in an interview with the TV station on Wednesday, that Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic’s call for Serbs to return to Kosovo’s institutions is an attempt to regain control over the mainly Serb inhabited north of Kosovo. “I think that he [Vucic] has realized that the withdrawal of Serbs from Kosovo’s institutions has reduced Serbia’s influence in Kosovo and now Pristina’s institutions are recruiting new people, Serbs that are supposed not to be loyal to Belgrade, and Belgrade does not want them to join the institutions. He is now trying to regain its positions in the north of Kosovo, by asking for people who are loyal to Belgrade to return to the institutions, to block the further progress by Pristina in including Serbs that are not loyal to Belgrade in the institutions,” he said.

 

Serwer said that the return of Serbs to the institutions should be done in accordance with Kosovo’s laws. “I think it is very important that what was agreed upon must be done, but I believe that the opinion that Belgrade should choose the Serbs that should return to the institutions is wrong … The municipalities in the north need mayors of municipalities that have democratic legitimacy. It is quite legitimate to hope that there will be new elections in the north. But Belgrade was the one that impeded new elections in the north after it told Serbs not to vote for the dismissal of non-Serb mayors,” he added.

 

Serwer also said that the return of Serbs to the police, judiciary and the prosecution, would be a step in the right direction. “But Belgrade should not be the one to decide which Serbs will return. This should be up to Pristina and if Pristina has doubts about the loyalty of some Serbs that Belgrade wants to return to the institutions, then these concerns should be taken into account in a fair process. Those that withdrew as a result of Belgrade’s order have something to prove if they want to return [to the institutions],” he said.

 

Hoti: Ask Kurti, Osmani why Washington Agreement wasn’t implemented? (media)

 

MP from the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), Avdullah Hoti, argues in a Facebook post today that while the U.S. signed an agreement with Serbia on cooperation in energy, and Serbia entered agreements with Germany and France, Kosovo is still under financial sanctions from the EU.

 

Hoti, a former Prime Minister and signatory of the Washington Agreement in 2020, said that “every citizen today should ask Kurti and Osmani: why the Washington Agreement of September 4, 2020, which was expected to solve the problem with energy supply in Kosovo, was not implemented? Why was the gas project canceled? Why was partnership with the U.S. on the gas by referring to ‘an alliance of tubes’ humiliated? Why wasn’t the railway with the Americans to Durres not started? Why wasn’t the Kosovo-U.S. agreement to attract investments, which was supposed to mobilize U.S. investments in Kosovo, not implemented? Who benefits from Kosovo not implementing the Washington Agreement?”

 

Hoti further argued that “threatening Kosovo’s strategic partnership with the U.S. should be a concerning alarm for every citizen that wants to see Kosovo in the EU and NATO, and in close partnership with NATO”. He also said that on February 9 next year, the people will decide on the next governance.

 

OSCE congratulates RTK on 25th anniversary (media)

 

Several media report that the OSCE Mission in Kosovo congratulated the Radio Television of Kosovo (RTK) on its 25th anniversary. “As a public broadcaster you play an essential role in both informing and educating the public. At a time when media worldwide are facing challenges in fighting fake news and disinformation, maintaining professional standards remains critical,” the OSCE mission said in a Facebook post.

 

Serbian Language Media 

 

Kasanof: Lithium project helps Serbia; US wants progress in dialogue with Kosovo (VoA, media)

The US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the Western Balkans, Alexander Kasanof, said the US wants to deepen cooperation with Serbia, assessing that lithium mining project is multi-useful, and that Washington wants to see progress in the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia on the normalization of relations, reported VoA.

Kasanof, who has been in office since mid-July, when he replaced Gabriel Escobar, spoke at a Pupin Initiative panel held in Washington.

"Citizens of Serbia are skeptical because of the previous approach of the US. We want to deepen cooperation with Serbia, in the Western Balkans and the Euro-Atlantic area. In the Western Balkans there are alliances that the US supports, and Serbia leads those initiatives. The lithium project can be very significant in terms of new investments. It will help Serbia, but also other countries, because it will connect the economies of the region. It is beneficial for many parties," said Kasanof in the conversation, which was moderated by Vuk Velebit from the Pupin initiative, an organization aimed at strengthening relations between Serbia and the US.

As one of the challenges in the coming period, Kasanof mentioned the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina on the normalization of relations.

"We want to see progress there. The US wants to cooperate with Kosovo and Serbia in order to see how progress can be made that will contribute to the region as well. There are two types of perspective on the relationship between the Balkans and the US. One is based on narrative and the other on facts. There is a narrative among non-governmental organizations that Serbia is anti-Western and a Russian henchman, and on the other hand, there is a narrative that Serbia has betrayed Russia," Kasanof points out.

He pointed out that Serbia should continue its journey towards the "Euro-Atlantic area" - for mutual benefit.

"There are numerous benefits of that road for Serbia, but also for the Euro-Atlantic area. These are the areas of energy, security cooperation, support for Ukraine, these issues are very important for us, and they are ways of Serbian integration, but also ways for the US to strengthen cooperation with Serbia," Kasanof stated.

The official of the State Department pointed out that it is very important that Serbia, in cooperation with the EU and the USA, takes care that "there is no return of nationalism".

"We need to be on guard against such scenarios. It could threaten the potential of cooperation. Partnership with Serbia and honest dialogue can contribute to overcoming those challenges and realize the vision of Euro-Atlantic cooperation," he warned.

Kasanof played an important role in American diplomacy in Ukraine - he was a political adviser during the Maidan Revolution in 2014, as well as at the beginning of the Russian invasion in February 2022. He stated that the United States "very much appreciates Serbia's support for Ukraine."

On Wednesday, Serbia and the USA signed an agreement on strategic cooperation in the field of energy, and it is the first agreement on strategic cooperation in general between the two countries. It is not known what the agreement specifically refers to, which, as it was said, "was worked on for several years".

"This is where we can share the clean energy agenda in the future. This is a big move compared to the past. It also means support for the European integration of Serbia, but also of the region. Because energy is of great importance, and clean energy is a win for everyone," said Kasanof.

He added that Serbia shows great economic potential, that unemployment is falling, and "the value system is changing, especially in the IT sector."

"It is important to cooperate in terms of moving away from the wars of the 1990s and to stay on a positive path. We will continue to support integration, but we will also closely cooperate with our partners from Serbia," Kasanof explained.

He also announced that the capital of Serbia will be one of his first stops during his visit to the Western Balkan region.

"Belgrade will be one of the first stops in the region. I will emphasize the importance of close cooperation and partnership. We will talk about the development of our relations, as well as how far we would like our partnership to go. From economic to political topics. We have published recommendations and a road map on ways for the realization of the strategic partnership between Serbia and the USA," Kasanof concluded.

PIK interrogates young men arrested last week in North Mitrovica regarding actions of  police officers (KoSSev, Kosovo Online, media)

Portal KoSSev learned that the young men who were arrested last week have been interrogated by the  Kosovo Police Inspectorate in the Kosovo Police Station North.

It is about an investigation into the police actions on the night of the arrest of four young men.

The young men were brought to the station by the police, given that they have been under house arrest since September 11.

Veton Elshani, deputy commander of the KP for the North, has neither officially confirmed nor denied the truth of these allegations.

However, Kosovo Online reported that Elshani confirmed that ''the young men are at the police station for an informative interview''. 

Just before the news, KoSSev contacted the Kosovo Police Inspectorate for more information, i.e. what stage the investigation is in.

Four young men were arrested on the night between September 9 and 10 in the northern part of Mitrovica, as the police said, for allegedly insulting and attacking two police officers on the same night on the Mitrovica promenade.

Videos of the arrest in a street a few hundred meters away from the promenade appeared on the Internet, and some residents claim that “the young men were beaten before and during the arrest”. “That there was physical contact by the police, as well as psychological violence”, has been later confirmed by the lawyer of one of them, and the deputy of the Kosovo Ombudsman, Srdjan Sentic.

This arrest, and especially the mentioned allegations about the use of violence, was the reason for an almost all-day protest of hundreds of people in front of the police station in the northern part of Mitrovica on September 11.

On that day, after the end of the police detention, the young men were given a one-month house arrest.

Police Inspectorate confirmed it opened preliminary investigation in relation to arrest of four young Serbs in Mitrovica North (KoSSev)

Kosovo Police Inspectorate (PIK) has confirmed it opened a preliminary investigation in relation to the arrest of four young Serbs in Mitrovica North last week, KoSSev portal reported.

“Until now PIK received no complaint in relation to the case, but launched preliminary investigation ex-officio”, PIK said in a statement. 

They added, as part of that investigation, the investigators started gathering information, official documents, reports in relation to this case and video recordings. They also confirmed that four young men were interviewed this morning in Mitrovica North police station as part of that investigation. 

Patriarch Porfirije with Cardinal Parolin discusses endangerment of Christian heritage in Kosovo (Kosovo Online)

The Serbian Orthodox Church Patriarch Porfirije, met yesterday with the Secretary of State of the Holy See, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, to whom he expressed gratitude for the Holy See's stance on Kosovo. According to a statement of the Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC), Patriarch Porfirije informed Cardinal Parolin about the difficult and very concerning situation of Serbs and the endangered Christian heritage in Kosovo.

"They also discussed the possibilities of providing real support for peace and preserving the presence and evangelical mission of the SPC and its head in Kosovo and Metohija for the benefit of both Orthodox Serbs, Albanians, and all others", the statement said.

Patriarch Porfirije, expressed his gratitude to the Cardinal Parolin, for the Holy See’s position on Kosovo, while also informing the cardinal of the “extremely precarious and deeply troubling situation” faced by Kosovo Serbs, as well as “the threats to Christian heritage in this historically significant Serbian region”.

The meeting was attended by Metropolitan Irinej of Backa, Bishop Teodosije of Raska-Prizren, Bishop Gerasim of Raska-Gornji Karlovac, as well as the Apostolic Nuncio in Serbia, Santo Gangemi, Diplomatic Advisor to the Secretariat of State of the Holy See, Janusz Włachoviak, and the Chargé d'Affaires of the Apostolic Nunciature in Serbia, Simon Bolivar Sanchez Carrion.

Nemec: Unacceptable for a small group of people in the WB to remain discriminated against (Kosovo Online)

Member of the European Parliament Matjaz Nemec, who was the rapporteur for the abolition of visas for holders of Serbian passports from Kosovo issued by Serbia’s Coordination Directorate, told Kosovo Online that it was unacceptable for him that a small group of people in the Western Balkans remained discriminated against, while the EU finally introduced visa liberalization for all countries in the region this year.

"I argued that this was primarily a technical, not a political decision. For me, it is unacceptable that a small group of people in the Western Balkans remains discriminated against, while we in the EU finally abolished visas for all countries in the region this year," Nemec said, after the regulation on the abolition of visas for holders of Serbian passports from Kosovo issued by Serbia’s Coordination Directorate was signed the day before.

Nemec reminds that Kosovo was the last in the region for which the EU gave the "green light" for liberalization as of January 1 this year, after many years of waiting.

He added that he had the honor to attend the signing of the regulation yesterday.

As he explained, the next step is for the regulation to be published in the official journal of the European Union, and after 20 days, it will officially come into effect.

Vokrri criticizes EU decision to lift visa requirements for Serbian Coordination Directorate passports (KoSSev)

The European Union’s recent decision to lift visa requirements for Kosovo residents holding Serbian passports issued by the Coordination Directorate has sparked criticism from the Kosovo Government. The decree, signed yesterday, has been condemned as “a violation of Kosovo’s sovereignty”, according to Deputy Minister for Local Government Administration, Arbër Vokrri.

Vokrri expressed concern that this move by the European Union sets a dangerous precedent, not only for the region but also on a broader international scale, KoSSev portal reported citing Koha.

Read more at: https://shorturl.at/TVIE6

Vucic informed Varhelyi about worrying situation in Kosovo (Tanjug, Kosovo Online)

The President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, met with the European Commissioner for Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement, Oliver Varhelyi, and informed him about the worrying situation in Kosovo and requested a more active engagement of European institutions in protecting the rights of the Serbian people.

"A good and open conversation with the sincere friend of Serbia, Commissioner Varhelyi, about the progress of our country in the process of accession negotiations with the EU, the implementation of the Reform Agenda and the implementation of the European Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. I reiterated that Serbia, essentially and technically, is ready for new steps in the direction of rapprochement and membership in the EU, especially when it comes to the rule of law, economic and social integration, and thanked the EC for its support along the way," Vucic wrote in an Instagram post, cited Kosovo Online. Vucic also thanked Varhelyi for his personal commitment and contribution to Serbia's European path during his mandate as Commissioner for Enlargement and wished him success in the new department, for which he was proposed, in the next composition of the EC.

Gogic: Goal of social protection measures is to mitigate consequences of Pristina's unilateral decisions (Kosovo Online, media)

The granting of special social protection status to Kosovo primarily aims to alleviate the consequences for the Serbian population caused by unilateral measures imposed by Pristina, such as the ban on the import of Serbian goods and the prohibition of the dinar, political analyst Ognjen Gogic told Kosovo Online. He recalled that all of Pristina's measures have led to increased living costs for people in their everyday lives.

"To withdraw your money, you have to go to administrative crossings or other towns in central Serbia, which involves additional travel costs. The goal is probably to somewhat alleviate these expenses and compensate people in some way. This has also led to a decline in economic activity in Serbian areas, as people go to withdraw money in Raska or Kursumlija and also shop there, since they can buy products that are unavailable in Kosovo due to the ban. Therefore, it is likely necessary to inject additional funds to stimulate the Serbian economy in Serbian areas in Kosovo and Metohija", Gogic explained.

According to him, it is important that the measures do not create dependency on social assistance but rather stimulate employment among Serbs in Kosovo. Gogic also highlighted the condition that President Aleksandar Vucic mentioned, which is that those receiving various forms of aid must reside and live in Kosovo.

"This is a response to complaints heard both in central Serbia and among Serbs in Kosovo, that some recipients of this aid do not actually live in Kosovo and Metohija but only come to withdraw money. In fact, they no longer even need to do that since they withdraw money in Raska or Kursumlija and then invest it in property in central Serbia. These measures will likely be introduced to prevent abuse. This has indeed happened in the past, where money intended for those supposedly in need ended up with people who don’t live in Kosovo but instead use it to secure housing elsewhere in central Serbia. So, there will probably be increased measures and controls to put an end to such practices", Gogic added.

 

International

 

Rural renaissance: Agritourism offers new vitality to Kosovo’s emptying villages (Prishtina Insight) 

 

In Kosovo, agritourism is on the rise, with people abandoning urban stress to invest in village revitalisation and establish a sustainable lifestyle away from the city.

 

Adrian Berisha once felt shackled by the grind of urban life in Prishtina, which he likened to modern-day slavery. The ceaseless battle for affordability on stepping out of his door had worn him down.

 

Seeking liberation from this urban monotony, the 30-year-old embarked on a transformative journey this year, now spending his days immersed in the tranquility of the village of Butovc.

 

At the top of Butovc, nestled amid trees, is Hamari, a distinctive restaurant managed by Adrian. Paradoxically situated in a village caught between abandonment and revitalization, Hamari is a haven for those seeking refuge from urban chaos, offering an authentic “farm-to-table” dining experience.

 

Adrian intimately understands the nuances of city life. Transitioning from a DJ to an assemblyman and later to cultural director of the municipality of Prishtina, he redirected his focus this year toward an agritourism venture. He is not just a co-owner but the driving force behind Hamari.

 

“When I come to Butovc, I experience a different life from what we do every day. The calm and everything else. I think, why didn’t I come sooner?” Adrian asks.

 

Read more at: https://shorturl.at/O7HOS

 

Humanitarian/Development

 

Mural against femicide in Kosovo unveiled (Kosovapress)

 

A woman with her head held high, holding flowers and red shoes spread around her, is a mural painted by several youths sending the message to fight femicide and guarantee gender equality. 

 

The mural dedicated to the memory of victims of gender-based violence was unveiled today at the Xhevdet Doda high school to mark the International Day of Peace. 

 

The mural was painted by young artists from different communities, Albanians, Serbs, Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian. 

 

To mark the International Day of Peace, the topic for this year is “Cultivating a culture of peace”.

 

UNMIK chief Caroline Ziadeh said that peace can be built only by working together. She said that every small act of empathy, understanding, sensitivity and cooperation contributes to a peaceful world. “Peace is built by peace. Today is a celebration for all of you who are in peace and for the structure of peace in Kosovo. Peace is not just a dream, a distant dream, it is a tangible reality that we can create together. Every small act of empathy, understanding, sensitivity and cooperation contributes to the greater goal of a peaceful world. It is about the cumulative effect of many small and positive actions. The International Day of Peace this year, marked on September 21, focuses on cultivating a culture of peace … Let us engage in being ambassadors of peace in our lives and inspire others to do the same. Together, we can build a world where peace is not only a word but a way of life. Together, we can start a journey to create a world that we need and deserve, a world where everyone is able to reach their full potential,” she said.

 

Deputy mayor of Pristina, Alban Zogaj, said femicide is the one of the gravest violations of human rights and that this phenomenon of gender inequality is continuing in Kosovo. He said that the message in marking this day is that femicide has no room in Kosovo and that the society needs to push forward certain legislative aspects that seriously address this inequality. “We need comprehensive change that starts with education, by teaching our boys and men to respect women, and this is non-negotiable. The empowerment of our girls and women to know the value of feeling safe and to speak out. I call on our community leaders, politicians, and every citizen to play their role on this very important topic. We cannot allow for a culture of silence or indifference to develop when women are killed in our homes, neighborhoods and streets. We need to come together and push for legislative reforms that address the seriousness of this crisis. And our message is very clear: there is no room for femicide in Kosovo, every woman has the right to live free from fear, free from violence and to be free to be what they want to be. We owe it to the women we have lost, to the families destroyed by this violence, and the next generations, to make Kosovo a safe, cleaner and fairer country for all”.

 

The main artist of the mural, Argjenda Azemi, said the mural represents the victims of femicide. She said the mural sends the message that work should be done for a better and safer future for women. “This mural, as the topic is very important, portrays a woman with her head held high, holding some flowers that represent hope, memory and healing. Around her are red shoes, with every pair representing a victim of gender-based violence. I wanted this mural to be in their memory, and to work towards a better future where women can live without fear,” she said.

 

Adrijana Hodzic, director of the regional safe house in the municipality of Zubin Potok, said it is urgent to address femicide, saying that that is the most extreme form of gender-based violence and that stronger laws and policies are needed to combat gender inequality. 

 

Hodzic said that if women are not safe there cannot be sustainable peace. “The effects of femicide go beyond the families and individual communities. It affects stability and social developments, and the economy too suffers because the potential of women is killed, and the collective progress of a nation stagnates. Peace cannot be sustainable if women and girls are not safe. Peace is not only the lack of war, it is the presence of justice, equality and security for all. And we cannot talk about peace if the voices of women are silenced by violence. We cannot talk about peace if the potential of women is destroyed by fear. We cannot talk about peace if the perpetrators of femicide walk freely, and their victims are forgotten. Please let us raise our voices, advocate for stronger laws and policies and make sure they are implemented. Let us empower girls and women,” she said.

 

The mural that was unveiled today and aims at fighting femicide was made possible by UNMIK and Mural Fest Kosova.