The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of UNMIK, Peter Due, has called on Kosovo’s institutions and relevant authorities to take urgent action to prevent violence against women and ensure accountability for perpetrators.
Due expressed deep sadness over the deaths of two women who, according to reports, were killed by their husbands within a matter of days. He extended his condolences to the victims’ families and loved ones.
“These shocking deaths are a painful reminder that violence against women remains a serious and urgent human rights issue. Such violence must never be tolerated, normalized or treated as a private matter,” Due said.
He called for the cases to be investigated promptly, thoroughly and impartially, with full respect for due process and the rule of law, and urged authorities to ensure that those responsible are held fully accountable.
The UNMIK chief also called for stronger and better-coordinated measures to prevent gender-based violence and protect women who are at risk.
According to Due, institutions must ensure that survivors of violence have timely access to protection, support services and justice.
His statement comes amid renewed concern over violence against women in Kosovo and calls for institutions to strengthen prevention mechanisms, protection measures and the response of the justice system to cases of domestic and gender-based violence.
