Kosovo President Declares Day of Mourning After Second Femicide in a Week

Kosovo's President Vjosa Osmani has declared a day of mourning for murdered girls and women on Wednesday for all those killed as a result of gender-based violence, following a second femicide in the country in less than a week . The gruesome murders have sparked outrage and protests across Kosovo, with hundreds of demonstrators demanding government action to address the crisis of male violence against women.

Last year, police in Kosovo registered over 1,100 cases of gender-based violence, though human rights groups say the actual number is much higher. Since 2010, there have been 55 cases of femicide in the country. The recent killings of two women by their husbands or ex-partners have prompted calls for the state to declare a state of emergency and strengthen security and judicial mechanisms to protect the lives of women and girls.

President Osmani urged the entire society, state, and nation to wake up and stop this crisis, calling the level of femicide in Kosovo "extraordinary proportions". The Speaker of the Assembly, Glauk Konjufca, expressed concern over the justice system's failure to adequately punish perpetrators, which he believes is enabling further violence. The Minister of Justice, Albulena Haxhiu, has convened an inter-ministerial group to address the "disturbing and burdensome" phenomenon of domestic violence.

Why this matters: The femicide crisis in Kosovo highlights the urgent need for action to combat gender-based violence and protect women's lives. The high-profile murders have galvanized public outrage and demands for systemic changes in how authorities handle cases of domestic abuse and violence against women.

Human rights organizations like the Kosovar Center for Gender Studies have held protests calling for a state of emergency declaration and collective effort from the government, political parties, and advocacy groups to strengthen legislation and raise awareness. President Osmani emphasized the need for the entire society to stand in solidarity against this crisis, stating, "The state and the nation must wake up. Enough with this crisis, with this extraordinary proportions of femicide cases."

Key Takeaways

• Kosovo declares day of mourning for murdered girls and women due to gender-based violence.
• Over 1,100 cases of gender-based violence registered in Kosovo in 2022, with 55 femicides since 2010.
• Calls for state of emergency and stronger security/judicial measures to protect women and girls.
• President urges entire society to address "extraordinary proportions" of femicide in Kosovo.
• Protests demand government action to combat gender-based violence and protect women's lives.