Acting Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, emphasized that the public testimony of Ramadan Nishori, a male survivor of sexual violence during the Kosovo war, serves as a powerful call for society to support other male survivors who continue to face stigma and prejudice.
On the Memorial Day for Survivors of Sexual Violence during the last war in Kosovo, Kurti stated that the country honors every woman and man who endured and survived this grave and inhumane crime, systematically used by Serbian occupying forces.
“We honor Marte Tunaj, Vasfije Krasniqi Goodman, and Shyrete Tahiri Sulimani, who courageously testified to the truth about Serbia’s crimes in Kosovo, as well as the thousands of other women and men who survived sexual violence during the war. With extraordinary bravery, today Ramadan Nishori broke the silence and became the first male survivor to speak publicly about sexual violence during the war. This is a powerful call for society to support other male survivors who still face prejudice and numerous challenges in seeking the rights they deserve,” Kurti wrote in a Facebook post.
He added that the Government of Kosovo expresses full solidarity with all survivors and remains committed to ensuring justice, recognition, and ongoing support.
“On this symbolic day, in line with the law, we are extending the application period to the Government Commission for the Verification and Recognition of the Status of Survivors of Sexual Violence during the war, aiming to ensure that no survivor is left without the opportunity to seek the recognition and support they deserve,” Kurti stated after paying tribute at the “Heroines” memorial in Prishtina.
According to Kurti, the silence and stigma still surrounding this war crime continue to prevent thousands of survivors from seeking justice and support.
“It is our duty as a society to provide maximum support with solidarity and empathy. Sexual violence was systematically used by Serbia as a weapon of war in Kosovo during 1998–1999. After 23 years of impunity, in July 2021, a step towards justice was taken with the first conviction of a war criminal, Zoran Vukotić, for sexual violence against an Albanian woman in Vushtrri. These crimes are neither subject to a statute of limitations nor forgiveness,” Kurti emphasized.
He concluded by saying that this day serves as a reminder that the pain, suffering, and sacrifice of the survivors must never be forgotten or neglected. “By confronting the past, seeking justice, and standing in solidarity, we can build a peaceful society and a just future for all,” Kurti wrote.
