The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, participated in the conference marking the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, which was held under the theme, “Together for Knowledge and Support.” During the event, Haxhiu addressed the scope of trauma in post-conflict Kosovo, noting that while the physical devastation was extensively documented, the internal human cost often remained unaddressed in the public narrative. Haxhiu observed that in the aftermath of the war, much tangible evidence was cataloged—including destroyed housing, documented massacres, casualties, and physical damage. However, she emphasized that the suffering residing within the individual, the psychological and emotional scars, lacked a formalized place within the collective memory.
Addressing the specific issue of conflict-related atrocities, the President highlighted the historical silence surrounding sexual violence. According to a statement released by her office, the trauma associated with sexual violence during wartime has long been underreported and marginalized. This form of violence has created a persistent, unspoken burden carried by survivors long after the cessation of hostilities.
Haxhiu noted that the formal acknowledgment and recognition of this specific crime arrived late, often complicated by prevailing fear and social stigma. Her participation underscored the ongoing need for comprehensive public discourse to fully account for all forms of suffering endured during periods of conflict, ensuring that the experiences of survivors of sexual violence are integrated into Kosovo’s broader narrative of recovery and reconciliation.
Topics: #haxhiu #sexual #violence
