The OSCE Mission in Kosovo has welcomed the joint declaration issued by religious leaders in Kosovo, representing the Islamic Community, the Serbian Orthodox Church, the Catholic Church, the Evangelical Protestant Church, and the Jewish Community.
The OSCE said that the fact leaders of different religious communities chose to speak with one unified voice represents an important and timely contribution to Kosovo’s public climate, especially ahead of the election period.
“The Mission fully supports the principled stance presented by the religious leaders,” the OSCE said in its reaction.
With the election campaign underway, the OSCE also recalled the importance of respecting commitments made through the Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Violence Against Women in Political and Public Life.
“Ensuring a safe and inclusive environment is essential for women to participate fully and equally in electoral and political processes,” the OSCE Mission in Kosovo emphasized.
The Mission further stated that these commitments should not remain merely symbolic, but must be accompanied by concrete action throughout the campaign and beyond.
“These commitments carry an obligation for action, and the Mission underlines the necessity of translating them into concrete behavior during the campaign and beyond,” the statement added.
Yesterday, religious leaders in Kosovo — from the Islamic Community, the Serbian Orthodox Church, the Catholic Church, the Evangelical Protestant Church, and the Jewish Community — issued a joint declaration reaffirming their shared commitment to peace, human dignity, and mutual respect among all people.
In the declaration, published by the Islamic Community of Kosovo, political actors, institutions, and citizens were urged to use measured and respectful language, respect women and girls, and reject hate speech and incitement.
Full Declaration
“We, the religious leaders of Kosovo — the Islamic Community, the Serbian Orthodox Church, the Catholic Church, the Evangelical Protestant Church, and the Jewish Community — representing different religious communities, reaffirm our shared commitment to peace, human dignity, and mutual respect among all people.
We recognize the importance of democratic values and the need for a responsible public climate, especially during election periods.
We call on all political actors, institutions, and citizens to respect the following principles:
Language of respect and dignity
We call for the use of respectful and measured language in public debate; the rejection of insults, humiliation, and personal attacks against others; and a culture of dialogue based on dignity and mutual respect.
Respect for women and girls
We call for zero tolerance toward sexist or misogynistic language; the rejection of harmful stereotypes and gender-based attacks; and equal respect, voice, and participation for women and girls in public life.
Rejection of hate speech and incitement
We call for the non-use of hate speech, threats, or incitement to violence; respect for ethnic, religious, and social diversity; and active efforts to protect social peace and trust among communities.
Truth and integrity in public life
We call for honesty and accuracy in public communication; the rejection of disinformation and manipulation; and respect for the law and democratic standards.
Responsible communication
We call for ethical conduct in media and social platforms; the rejection of online abuse, bullying, and degrading language; and leadership that sets a calm and responsible tone.
Shared responsibility
We call on all leaders and citizens to respect these principles throughout the election period; to lead others by example; and to work together to protect Kosovo’s democratic and social fabric.
As religious leaders, we speak with one voice on this: words matter. They shape behavior. They divide or unite. We call on everyone in public life to choose respect, truth, and responsibility.”
