President of the Republic of Kosovo, Mrs. Atifete Jahjaga, met today in London with the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Ms. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, with whom she discussed the path and the modalities for the prevention of sexual violence in conflict as well as the provision of help of this violence.
President Jahjaga stated that Kosovo during the war period has faced the phenomenon of sexual violence, which has touched a large number of women and girls in Kosovo, and that help for them is required in order to fight their stigmatisation in society and to establish the much needed justice in order for them to find their peace. She also added that Kosovo has made a great step ahead with the amendment of the law which will help victims of sexual violence in Kosovo obtain recognition of their status as civilian war victims.
Madam President also said that Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict, being held in London is a joint endeavour of all participating countries, to prevent sexual violence as a tool of war, considering it to be grave crime against humanity.
President Jahjaga and Ms. Zuma also spoke about the actual political developments in Kosovo as well as the international consolidation of Kosovo’s statehood. President Jahjaga said that a new chapter of cooperation must be opened by the countries of Africa, through recognition of its independence.
Madam President said that Kosovo is a factor of peace and stability in the region and is aiming full membership into UN, EU and all other international organisations.
Chairperson of the African Union Congress, Ms. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, said that she is closely following all the developments in Kosovo since the war and is familiar with the circumstances in Kosovo. She also said that it is important for people to establish relations with each other, helping each other overcome difficulties they face.
Ms. Zuma said that it is necessary that victims of sexual violence during conflict must be offered comprehensive help and must not be excluded from the society through stigmatisation, because they are not culpable for the crimes committed upon them.
President Jahjaga is in London, where she is attending the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict, organised by the UK Foreign Secretary Mr. William Hague and the Special Envoy of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Ms. Angelina Jolie. President Jahjaga will be addressing the Summit participants under the auspices of the Ministerial Dialogue, to share Kosovo’s experience in addressing of the victims of sexual violence during the war.