Honourable Prime Minister Kurti,
Honourable Ambassadors,
Dear Mr. Morina and other representatives of the Center for Equality and Liberty and other organizations,
Honourable Media,
Honourable participants,
It is an honour to co-launch Pride Week this year – a great opportunity to discuss the importance of protecting every member of our society, while also addressing the challenges faced by LGBTI+ individuals, as well as our joint work to empower each other for a more dignified, more equal and fairer life.
Over the past year, I have had the opportunity to talk with many of you about how we can work together to address these challenges, to ensure that sexual orientation is not a factor that divides people, but a opportunity to get to know each other better and to respect each other more, because equality and diversity are not values only for some – but are values for all, without distinction.
Throughout the years, Kosovo has made progress in advancing the rights of LGBTI+ individuals. These advances, in fact, are rooted in our Constitution, one of the only ones in the world that embraces diversity as a strength not only of society but also of the state itself, where everyone has space to enjoy equal rights, stripped of fear and discrimination. However, on this path to full equality, we still have a lot of work to do. LGBTI+ individuals are undoubtedly still targeted by violence, discrimination and stigmatization, which continue to be an obstacle to achievement of our common goal – building a more equal and fairer society for all.
Unfortunately, this problem is not only present in Kosovo, but all over the world, therefore, more than ever, our efforts to prove that we are steadfast in our dedication to a more equal society – must be joint.
Human rights belong to everyone, without any distinction. And in the protection of human rights, we must not compromise. This is a battle to ensure a life of fulfilment and love, not a life of stigma and prejudice, a life in obscurity and shame.
Honourable participants,
Throughout the past year, Kosovo has been at the forefront of positive changes in the region and beyond in terms of the protection of human rights and the further development of democracy. These results demonstrate our continued commitment to strengthen the rule of law, democracy, and human rights, and are evidence that these values are our main guide forward in every decision and every effort.
As a state, guided by the will of our people, we have taken important steps to place Kosovo in the spot it deserves, spot to which it has contributed for centuries – among the family of democratic European states. Our progress toward European Union, but also other international organizations, goes hand in hand with our daily commitment to a better future for every citizen without distinction.
Therefore, let us work together to build a society where love triumphs over hate, where mutual respect is a prerequisite, and where all people, without distinction, live full, happy and harmonious lives. Let’s work together for a society where each and every one of us can live free, choose freely and love freely. Only in this manner may we build a more equal and a more equitable state for everyone.
Thank you and a Happy Pride Week!
