Acting President Haxhiu: Serbia bears direct responsibility for opening archives and clarifying the fate of forcibly disappeared persons
The Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, participated today in the closing ceremony of the “We Miss Them” project, which, through documentaries and public debates, has brought to attention the stories of the families of forcibly disappeared persons and their incessant demand to know. “But the stories of the families do not end with the project. They remain even when the screen turns off and the debate ends. They remain in the homes where the same question has been asked for years: how do you accept that your loved one disappears forcibly during the war and your family is left without any answers?” said Acting President Haxhiu. According to her, enforced disappearance severs this thread of meaning, adding that there is no explanation that can make a family’s wait any easier, nor any words that can replace the person who is missing. “However, the inability to understand does not remove the obligation to know. Primo Levi wrote that if understanding is impossible, knowing is imperative. For the families of missing persons, this is their only demand: to know where their loved ones are,” the Acting President emphasized. According to her, there are no answers because Serbia has yet to open its military, police, and state archives; therefore, Serbia bears direct responsibility in this process. She noted that these archives may contain information on orders, burials, exhumations, and locations that families have been seeking for more than a quarter of a century. “The mass graves discovered on Serbian territory have made it clear that the concealment of traces was deliberate. The opening of archives cannot remain a matter of Belgrade’s will. International partners must treat this as Serbia’s clear obligation towards the families, towards justice and towards the truth. Around 1,600 people remain on the lists of missing persons, and are often mentioned merely as numbers and statistics. However, such documentaries go beyond statistics, giving us their names, faces, and stories through the voices of those who have been waiting for far too long”, said Acting President Haxhiu. She added that from Drenas to Mitrovica, from Peja to Prizren, from Gjilan to Ferizaj, and from Gjakova to Prishtina, these stories remind us that the experience of loss may not be the same in every household, but the waiting and the demand for answers are the same. According to Acting President Haxhiu, the demand to know cannot remain solely within the memory of the families; it requires, in her view, daily institutional commitment: investigation, documentation, forensic work, cooperation with the families, and the pursuit of every piece of information that may lead to the truth. “I would like to thank the Institute of Forensic Medicine, the Government Commission, the Special Prosecutor’s Office, the Police, and our international partners for their work in locating persons who were forcibly disappeared and in addressing war crimes. In recent years, progress has been achieved thanks to increased capacities and legal amendments that have enabled trials in absentia, in response to Serbia’s lack of cooperation. The institutions of the Republic of Kosovo remain committed to supporting this work, because justice for war crimes remains an inevitable obligation,” Acting President Haxhiu stated. She further stated that, in this regard, Kosovo has taken important steps by addressing this issue within both the legal and institutional framework. “In July 2023, Kosovo joined the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP). In August 2023, the Institute for Crimes Committed During the War was established, while the Transitional Justice Strategy 2024–2034 places truth-seeking, justice, reparations, and institutional reform at the core of this field. This work has also produced tangible results. The identification of persons who disappeared following the Kralan Massacre and their reburial after so many years reminds us that no case is closed until the families have received answers,” said Acting President Haxhiu. Acting President Haxhiu thanked BIRN Kosovo, ACDC, the European Union, and everyone who contributed to this project, adding that the most special thanks are owed to the families who agreed to speak. “They did not speak in order to turn their pain into a public narrative, but because they know that the truth must have both a voice and witnesses. Missing persons are names that belong to the memory of this country and the responsibility of its institutions. Until answers are found for them, this work cannot be considered complete,” Acting President Haxhiu concluded.
Acting President Haxhiu attended the reception held on the occasion of the end of the mandate of the Head of EULEX, Major General Giovanni Pietro Barbano
The Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, attended tonight the reception held on the occasion of the end of the mandate of the Head of EULEX, Major General Giovanni Pietro Barbano. In her address, Acting President Haxhiu said that the relationship between Kosovo and EULEX has developed around difficult and sensitive issues. She highlighted the work of the Mission in areas of particular importance to our society, including transitional justice and the institutional response to domestic and gender-based violence. “Precisely because of the sensitivity of these issues, dialogue has always been important. Institutions serve citizens best when they speak clearly, listen carefully and hold the accountability to its citizens at the center of the action,” said the Acting President Haxhiu. Acting President Haxhiu said that during his mandate as Head of EULEX, Giovanni Pietro Barbano has shouldered great responsibility during a sensitive period. “Kosovo appreciates their professionalism, institutional seriousness and respectful approach. I would like to express my appreciation for the responsibility you have shown to this task, as well as for your service and cooperation”, emphasized Acting President Haxhiu. She further added that international missions, by their nature, are temporary, adding that institutions are not. “Therefore, the true measure of cooperation is not how long a mission lasts, but how much stronger, more accountable and more independent state institutions become. In Kosovo, institutions have been strengthened in capacity, professionalism and responsibility, and continue to carry out the constitutional and democratic duties that belong to the Republic”, said the Acting President. At the end, Acting President President Haxhiu wished Mr. Giovanni Pietro Barbano success in his future engagements. “I hope that you will take with you from Kosovo the memory of a country young in its statehood, clear in its democratic will and deeply committed to justice and a European future”, emphasized Acting President Haxhiu.
Acting President Haxhiu: Congratulations on the Egyptian Community Memorial Day
The Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, said that today we mark the Egyptian Community Memorial Day, in respect of their history, memory and contribution to Kosovo. “This day reminds us that our Republic is also built from the experiences, work and resilience of the communities that have enriched the social life of the country and have participated in its political and democratic journey”, emphasized Acting President Haxhiu. On this day, she said, we reaffirm our commitment to a Kosovo in which each community is recognized, respected and treated with dignity. “Congratulations on the Egyptian Community Memorial Day!” said Acting President Haxhiu.
Acting President Haxhiu received in a farewell meeting the Head of EULEX, Major General Giovanni Pietro Barbano
The Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, received today in a farewell meeting the Head of EULEX, Major General Giovanni Pietro Barbano, on the occasion of the conclusion of his mandate in Kosovo. President Haxhiu thanked Mr. Barbano for his engagements during his tenure and for his role within the framework of the EULEX mandate, in support of the rule of law and justice institutions. She praised Mr. Barbano’s correct and professional approach and wished him success in his future engagements.
Acting President Haxhiu: The “Çast (Moment)” mural is moving from city to city and is transforming into a path of remembrance
The Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, participated today at the unveiling of the “Çast” mural in the municipality of Mitrovica. In her address to the participants, Acting President Haxhiu said that the “Çast” mural is moving from city to city and is transforming into a path of remembrance. “It was first placed in Prishtina, then we were in Therandë, then in Pejë, today it is coming to Mitrovica, and it will continue in Drenas, Gjakovë, Gjilan, Ferizaj and Prizren. City after city, this truth is being marked on the walls of the Republic of Kosovo”, said Acting President Haxhiu. According to her, this is a path worthy of remembrance, because according to the Acting President President Haxhiu’s memory cannot remain only in remembrance halls. “It should also be on the streets, near schools, near homes, where people pass by in their daily life, and to, even for a moment, stop. The “Çast” mural is dedicated to people who were sexually abused during the war in Kosovo. The word “çast (moment)” seems small. You say it quickly. But in a person’s life there are moments that last a lifetime”, said Acting President Haxhiu. She further said that the survivors of sexual violence during the war have always had a place in our memory. “They have always had that place and with the “Çast” mural, their truth is also taking place on the walls of the cities of our Kosovo”, affirmed Acting President Haxhiu. Acting President Haxhiu said that we welcome every decision that condemns criminals who committed crimes during the most difficult period of our history, the one of war. “Therefore, for many years, survivors have waited for the crime to be investigated, prosecuted and punished with the seriousness that its gravity requires. And today, once again, I call on the justice institutions to continue their work and commitment. Because as we all know, war crimes, including sexual violence during war, are neither amnestied, nor forgiven, nor prescribed,” said Acting President Haxhiu. Acting President Haxhiu said that we know that the mural does not replace justice and does not close the pain, but according to her, it establishes in the city a truth that should never remain hidden and reminds us that survivors of sexual violence deserve respect, deserve support and a full place in the memory of our Republic. “City after city, this mural is making silence more difficult and memory more present. For this I want to thank the Jahjaga Foundation, President Jahjaga, but also her team, as well as the municipality, the artists and all those who have made this mural possible”, emphasized Acting President Haxhiu.
Acting President Haxhiu: Gratitude and heartfelt thanks to all the staff of the Presidency of the Republic of Kosovo who work with dedication and responsibility every day
The Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, met with the civilian servants at the Presidency of the Republic of Kosovo, a few days prior to the celebration of the International Civil Servants Day. “Heartfelt gratitude and thanks to all the staff of the Presidency of the Republic of Kosovo who work with dedication and responsibility each and every day to ensure the functioning and fulfillment of the constitutional mandate of the Office of the President in service to all citizens,” stated Acting President Haxhiu. At the cocktail party held as a sign of gratitude, Acting President Haxhiu spoke about the irreplaceable role and valuable contribution of civil servants in strengthening institutions, the rule of law, transparency and democratic values.
Acting President Haxhiu received Ms. Vasfije Krasniqi Goodman, Mr. Ramadan Nishori and representatives of Medica Kosova, Medica Gjakova, KRCT and the Center for the Promotion of Women’s Rights in Drenas
The Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, on the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in War, together with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Gërvalla, met with Ms. Vasfije Krasniqi Goodman, Mr. Ramadan Nishori and representatives of Medica Kosova, Medica Gjakova, KRCT and the Centre for the Promotion of Women’s Rights in Drenas. “For years, these organizations have stood by survivors of sexual violence during the war, through caregiving, documentation, legal and psychological support, and with unwavering commitment to their justice and dignity. Today, I thanked them for this valuable work and for the role they continue to play in supporting survivors,” said Acting President Haxhiu. They also discussed the steps that institutions should take to make the path of survivors towards recognition and justice easier and more dignified. “We discussed the review of application deadlines, exemption from court fees, a more accessible space for the Verification Commission, as well as guarantees of a verification process where survivors are treated with dignity,” emphasized Acting President Haxhiu. According to her, these measures would contribute to a fairer, more humane, and a much more sensitive system to the needs and reality of survivors.
Acting President Haxhiu attended the reception held on the occasion of the Statehood Day of the Republic of Slovenia
The Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, participated tonight at the reception held on the occasion of the Statehood Day of the Republic of Slovenia. Acting President Haxhiu said that for Slovenia, June 25th is a day of freedom and independence, and that, according to her, for the people of Kosovo, this history is easy to understand. “We know how much courage, clarity and responsibility is required when people choose freedom and statehood,” said Acting President Haxhiu. She further stated that long before our relations became official diplomatic relations, they were human relations. “Ljubljana was a place where many Albanians from Kosovo studied, worked, organized and kept alive their connection to their homeland. The Albanian Cultural Association “Migjeni”, founded in Ljubljana in 1989, holds a special place in this history. It united Albanians around culture, identity and the cause of freedom, and through publications such as “Alternativa” and “Republika” it helped give Kosovo a voice, ” emphasized Acting President Haxhiu. She said that we remember with gratitude the Slovenian intellectuals, writers, journalists and public figures who stood by the people of Kosovo in difficult times, adding further that through civic engagement, public advocacy and solidarity with human rights, they helped bring the truth of Kosovo into the Slovenian public space. “Upon this human foundation, our institutional cooperation has continuously grown. Kosovo appreciates Slovenia’s support for our statehood, our European path and our international consolidation. We also deeply appreciate Slovenia’s long-standing contribution to peace and security in Kosovo through KFOR, as well as the work of Slovenian diplomats, experts, businesses and cultural actors who have contributed to strengthening relations between our two countries”, stated Acting President Haxhiu. On behalf of the people of the Republic of Kosovo, Acting President Haxhiu expressed her sincere congratulations to the Government and people of Slovenia on Statehood Day. “I wish that the friendship between Kosovo and Slovenia will continue to become stronger, closer and more meaningful for both our nations”, said Acting President Haxhiu.
U.S. President Haxhiu participated at the Opening of the “Eye to Eye” Exhibition
The Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, participated today at the opening of the “Eye to Eye” Exhibition. In her address to the participants, Acting President Haxhiu said that through the “Eye to Eye” exhibition, vision is brought to us in its most special form: through the iris. “The iris is a unique sign of man. We have it in our eyes throughout our lives, but we rarely stop to think about it. Here, the iris has been taken out of everyday life and brought to the public as a sign of human presence, with as much closeness as art requires and with as much content as dignity requires,” saidActing President Haxhiu. She further said that this is also the power of the creative concept of “Eye to Eye”. “Because it does not reveal the person until the end. It gives us a sign of the eye, that is, an identifying trace, just enough to stop. That is enough to feel his presence. The rest, what is not said and not shown, remains his, and precisely this content makes him even more dignified”, said Acting President Haxhiu. Acting President Haxhiu, addressing the participants, said that behind this exhibition lies the long work of the KRCT and also of the organization “Pro Peace” with testimonies and stories of survivors, family members and people affected by sexual violence during the war in Kosovo. “These stories do not only speak about the difficult period, that of the war. They also speak about the years following it, which for many survivors of sexual violence in Kosovo were even more difficult, because the pain was compounded by silence, mistrust, judgment and also the fear of telling,” said Acting President Haxhiu. She stated that stigma should also be discussed here, and that according to her, “For many survivors, stigma has been a heavy part of the years after the war. They have lived with the shame that has been unfairly placed on their shoulders. A society that wants justice for those who were raped during the war must first learn to see them with respect and gratitude for the strength with which they have continued their lives.” In this regard,Acting President Haxhiu thanked the Kosovo Center for the Rehabilitation of Torture Survivors for this exhibition, as well as the organization “Pro Peace”, and also for their long-term engagement with survivors of sexual violence during the war. According to Acting President Haxhiu, this is work that is done with patience, with slowly gained trust, with professional care and with a lot of responsibility. “As Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, I want to say that individuals who were sexually abused during the war are part of our history and our state responsibility. They cannot remain on the edge of memory, nor be mentioned only on certain days. The Republic owes them recognition, care, justice and a life with dignity”, emphasized Acting President Haxhiu.
Acting President Haxhiu: Sexual violence during the war was one of the crimes that was kept silent for too long
The Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, participated today in the Conference marking the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict: “Together for Recognition and Support”. In her address to the participants of this conference, Acting President Haxhiu said that in post-war Kosovo, many things were counted: burned houses, massacres, people killed, missing persons, damage, graves, long columns, what was seen was counted, but according to her, what remained inside the person remained nameless and without a place in our public narrative. “Sexual violence during the war was one of the crimes that was kept silent for too long. It became a refuge for the pain that a person carries with them, even when the war is over. The word about this crime came late because it was surrounded by a lot of fear, a lot of shame and a lot of judgment. For this reason, today we must speak very carefully. The confession belongs to the people who were raped during the war. We are here to clearly say that the Republic of Kosovo, our Republic, owes them recognition, justice and state care”, said Acting President Haxhiu. Acting President Haxhiu said that those who committed and ordered this crime should be punished by our justice system, and according to Acting President Haxhiu, very little has been done in this regard since the end of the war. “Unfortunately, the international missions that came to Kosovo for this purpose never took seriously the issue of addressing the crimes that Serbia has committed in our country. I have said it before and I repeat it today: the missions that had the responsibility to deal with war crimes, in fact, did not deal with them. In recent years, there has been progress in this regard, I believe that we all agree on this. But the crimes committed by Serbia in Kosovo have been so numerous and so serious that even the steps taken recently, no matter how important, still seem insufficient,” Acting President Haxhiu emphasized. On this occasion, Acting President Haxhiu called on justice institutions to take action and not stop their commitment to addressing war crimes. “Now, fortunately, there are also sentences against persons who committed sexual violence during the war, as well as many investigations and indictments. On this occasion, I must thank Ms. Feride Rushiti for the great work she has done in this regard, but also all the organizations that, in fact, have replaced the state. Because it is our state that should have dealt with this issue since the end of the war. However, the actions related to the strengthening of justice institutions, the increase in the number of police officers, the Transitional Justice Strategy, as well as the trial in absentia, were taken too late”, said Acting President Haxhiu. She further said that the work of the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo will continue, because war crimes, as we know, are neither forgiven, they are not subject to amnesty and are neither subject to the statute of limitations. “Punishing criminals, among others, also sends a clear message that serious human rights violations will not go unpunished. That is why it is extremely important to continue working and engaging. But, even with the convictions for war crimes, trust in institutions increases and the suffering of people violated during the war is recognized,” Acting President Haxhiu asserted. Acting President Haxhiu said that the state cannot undo what happened, but the state is present with mechanisms, people, and institutions that are making the path easier for survivors of sexual violence during the war. “I join the Commission’s call to apply for recognition of status, because this not only highlights a serious crime that occurred during the war, but also shows the state’s concern for people sexually abused during the war,” said Acting President Haxhiu.