The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani, chaired the UNSC Arria formula meeting on “Preventing and Responding to Conflict-Related Sexual Violence”. At the invitation of Albania, the President of the Republic of Kosova, Vjosa Osmani addressed the highest decision-making table in the world.

Minister Hasani emphasized that sexual violence related to the conflict is a war crime and  a core security challenge as he underlined that the world can learn a lot from Kosovo regarding this issue.

“Sexual violence continues to be used as a tactic of war and terror. This impunity perpetuates a culture of violence and undermines efforts to eradicate this scourge comprehensively. The voice of over 20,000 women and girls violated during the conflict in Kosova must be heard. Victims and survivors must not be denied justice. It is time for all of us to assume our responsibility to go beyond condemning this behavior, to taking concrete steps to prevent violence, protect individuals, punish perpetrators, and provide redress to victims. Albania’s commitment in this direction remains unwavering”, Minister Hasani said.

In his speech, Minister Hasani also focused on the girls and women abducted by the terrorists of Hamas, held somewhere in Gaza, under appalling conditions.

“We call for their immediate and unconditional release”, said Minister Hasani.

In the meeting on “Prevention and response to sexual violence caused by conflicts”, President Vjosa Osmani spoke about Kosova’s experience regarding this case while emphasizing the importance of accountability.

“The perpetrators of these crimes know no borders. They stop at nothing. They destroy life. They do not want to destroy only nations or countries. They want to destroy our faith in humanity. They want to dehumanize people,” she said.

Participants in this meeting were also representatives from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Ukraine, who shared not only their painful experiences but also their models for safeguarding  victims of violence.