The murders in Gjilan and Vitomirica once again highlights the urgent need for Kosovo to address femicide as a phenomenon rooted in gender inequality and unequal power relations.
Although Kosovo’s legislation recognises gender as an aggravating circumstance, this alone is not enough. Killings of women must also be investigated in the context of gender-based violence, taking into account the circumstances leading up to these killings.
Kosovo urgently needs a legal definition of femicide and a Femicide Watch mechanism to systematically monitor and analyse cases, identify institutional failures and help prevent future killings. These measures are consistent with the principles and obligations set out in the Istanbul Convention on preventing violence against women, protecting victims and prosecuting perpetrators.
A woman should not have to have reported violence to be taken seriously by the justice system. The absence of a prior report of violence does not mean that no violence occurred. Institutions must investigate the history of the relationship, including any threats, controlling behaviour and other possible forms of violence, to ensure that the woman’s experiences prior to her killing are taken into account both during the investigation and when determining criminal responsibility.
Justice cannot be limited to the killing itself. It must examine the full context of the violence and any institutional failures that may have contributed to the loss of life.
On 25 November, KWN calls on all citizens, organisations and institutions to join the nationwide protest against femicide and gender-based violence. Let us turn solidarity into action and demand justice, accountability and concrete measures to prevent femicides.
Not one woman less. No killing without justice.
Following the murder of Arlinda Zekaj in Vitomirica, KWN called for a full and independent investigation into the possible actions and omissions of the Police, Prosecution, courts, and social services. KWN has supported all protests organized against femicide and will continue to do so until institutions take concrete action.
Furthermore, KWN met with the Speaker of the Assembly, Albulena Haxhiu, to discuss the need for institutional accountability and concrete action to prevent femicide. KWN called on the Assembly to take urgent action to address institutional responsibility, strengthen protection mechanisms, and ensure the implementation of laws and policies that guarantee women’s safety.
