Kosovo’s Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, paid tribute at the “Heroniat” memorial in Pristina.
This marks the Memorial Day for Survivors of Sexual Violence during the last war in Kosovo, observed on April 14.
Tributes were also paid by the Minister of Justice, Albulena Haxhiu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Donika Gërvalla, the Minister of Internal Affairs, Xhelal Sveçla, the head of the parliamentary group of Vetëvendosje, Mimoza Kusari-Lila, and the survivors of sexual violence, Vasfije Krasniqi-Goodman and Shyhrete Tahiri-Sylejmani.
In his speech, the Prime Minister stated that the president, the Government, the Assembly, himself as Prime Minister, are committed to protecting this category.
He also called on the citizens of Kosovo to be part of this support and break the stigma.
Furthermore, Kurti stated that girls, women, men, and boys were not raped because of their names or characteristics, but because they were Albanian.
“Today is a memorial day for the victims and survivors of sexual violence against women and girls, men and boys, about 20,000 in total who have paid a high price physically, mentally, and emotionally,” Kurti expressed.
“As Vasfije and Shyhretja call, we never forget and also commit and call for justice.”
“Shyhretja and Vasfije are examples for our entire nation in breaking the silence of stigma.”
“The Ministry of Justice, the Government of Kosovo, the Assembly, myself as Prime Minister, the president, are at the forefront of helping this category.”
“We call on all citizens of Kosovo to support this category.”
“This violence did not happen to them because of their specific names or appearances, it happened because they were Albanians.”
The survivors of sexual violence, Vasfije Krasniqi-Goodman and Shyhrete Tahiri-Sylejmani, also spoke.
“Today I am very strong, I am very proud, for our state, with full confidence that I know that the police and the army will no longer allow Serbian forces in Kosovo,” said Krasniqi-Goodman.
While Tahiri-Sylejmani calls for this not to be forgotten.
“I would kindly ask you not to forget, thank you.”
