Albania champions accountability for conflict-related sexual violence at UN
In a significant meeting hosted by Albania and the OSCE at the United Nations, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani, highlighted the urgent need for accountability for perpetrators of sexual violence during conflicts. This session aimed to bolster support for survivors and address the justice gap in such cases.
Why is this important: This initiative is important as, during the Kosovo conflict alone, many cases of sexual violence by Serbian soldiers were reported, with most remaining unpunished despite numerous formal complaints lodged in Prishtina’s courts.
Context: Minister Hasani pointed out that a culture of impunity is a major barrier to justice for these crimes. He emphasized the importance of a united effort at the UN to break this cycle, necessitating a collective push towards accountability and victim empowerment.
“To effectively prevent this heinous crime, prioritizing the strengthening of accountability and focusing on empowering victims is essential. Establishing early warning indicators for conflict-related sexual violence in all UN peacekeeping and special political mission mandates is crucial. Implementing these measures will improve our ability to detect and respond to incidents of sexual violence promptly,” Minister Hasani remarked, recalling the crimes during the Kosovo war and recent instances in Ukraine.
What else: The “Responsibility and Empowerment: Supporting Survivors of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence” meeting, co-organized by Albania and the OSCE, provided a critical platform for discussing and tackling the challenges associated with conflict-induced sexual violence.
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