Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN) is following with concern the latest development regarding the engagement of experts for the dialogue between the Republic of Kosovo and the Republic of Serbia. This team of experts comprises men only.

Through this public letter, KWN, as a network representing the interests of 158 member organizations, pledges to monitor the entire dialogue process, constantly asking for the negotiating team to be inclusive and that women’s priorities be part of the agenda. KWN calls for including women in the dialogue team, as well as including women’s priorities in the topics to be discussed. We also recall that KWN has in the past called for the involvement of at least one experienced civil society woman in dialogue, as defined by Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. The Law on Gender Equality requires an equal representation of women in such decision-making positions.

Thus, KWN reiterates we stand ready to provide the names of qualified women, as well as support in organizing public consultations towards achieving a democratic, transparent and inclusive process, which is essential to achieving lasting peace and security in Kosovo, and the region.

During the past year, which marked the 20th anniversary of the adoption of Resolution 1325, KWN sent an open letter to the then Government of Kosovo and the European Union Special Envoy for the Kosovo-Serbia Dialogue, Mr. Miroslav Lajčák. KWN have had complained about the non-inclusion of women in negotiating teams and the willingness to cooperate with the Government of Kosovo to propose the names of women with experience in this field, as well as listing the needs identified in our latest report “A Seat at The Table: Women’s contributions to and expectations from peacebuilding processes in Kosovo “.

This report has identified that the needs of women and girls towards this process remain similar to those that women have raised since the end of the war in Kosovo. This report also highlighted the fact that lasting peace is achieved only with equal inclusion of women and men. In addition, women do not sign agreements they could not implement.

We urge the Government of Kosovo to include in the dialogue agenda the needs and priorities of the various women and girls in Kosovo, newly identified in this report:

•       To ensure substantial participation of women in decision-making regarding negotiations and dialogue, both through involvement in the formal negotiation team and in public consultations;

•       To seek recognition of Kosovo by Serbia and public apology from the Serbian state for crimes committed against Albanian civilians;

•       To ensure the return of missing persons;

•       To ensure the prosecution of persons who have committed war crimes in Kosovo, including sexual violence committed during the war, thus achieving justice; and

•       To provide compensation and compensation for material damage, including the return of pensions.

Since 2006, KWN has been active in following the dialogue between the Republic of Kosovo and the Republic of Serbia, including the topics and composition of the dialogue team, and we will continue to be an active voice as long as women and their needs are addressed.