Several prominent civil society organizations in Kosovo have formally addressed a letter to the Ombudsman, Naim Qelaj, seeking clarification regarding his recent statements on allegations of sexual harassment in the north of Kosovo. The letter, sent after his appearance on the „Kallxo Përnime“ show, expressed concern over Qelaj’s assertion that, without official reports, such accusations could be part of an attempt by „certain groups“ to tarnish the reputation of the Kosovo Police.
The organizations emphasized that the ongoing accusations against NGOs and the dismissal of claims of sexual harassment continue to raise serious concerns.
Rising Reports of Sexual Harassment Spark Alarm
In their joint statement, the civil society groups highlighted an alarming increase in citizen reports and media coverage of alleged sexual harassment, particularly targeting women and girls, including minors. The letter states, „In recent months, there has been a rise in reports and media attention on harassment incidents, especially those aimed at women and girls, including minors.“
The organizations also raised concerns over serious allegations involving individuals from southern Mitrovica, and expressed worry that the Kosovo Police Inspectorate (IPK) and the Kosovo Police have not adequately addressed these claims. „We are concerned about institutional inertia and intimidation of witnesses,“ the letter added.
Request for Clarification on Ombudsman’s Statements
The letter referenced the Ombudsman’s statement, which acknowledged that the allegations warranted serious investigation and that his office had engaged with representatives of the Serbian community and relevant institutions, including the Kosovo Police and IPK. However, the organizations are seeking further clarification on Qelaj’s comments suggesting that the accusations of sexual harassment could be part of a reputation-damaging effort against the Kosovo Police, despite the lack of official complaints.
The letter asks the Ombudsman to address several crucial questions:
On what basis did the Ombudsman suggest that the allegations might be part of a campaign to damage the Kosovo Police’s reputation? Was there any evidence that informed this claim?
How does the Ombudsman’s Office ensure protection for victims who fear retaliation from institutions and encourage them to come forward?
Despite Qelaj’s claim that the Kosovo Police had not received official reports of harassment, at least three cases have been reported, and evidence supports these reports. Could the Ombudsman clarify the basis for his statement and whether the Office has taken steps to verify or correct this information?
Has the Ombudsman’s Office considered initiating ex officio investigations into possible institutional misconduct or neglect regarding the reported harassment cases?
What actions is the Ombudsman’s Office taking to monitor the activities of the Kosovo Police and IPK in the north, especially in light of findings from the organizations’ recent report, „Ethnization of Kosovo Police: Erosion of Ahtisaari’s Basis of a Civic and Multiethnic Institution“?
The organizations concluded by requesting clarification on what steps the Ombudsman is taking to ensure proper oversight of the Kosovo Police and IPK in the north, particularly in light of concerns about the ethnic instrumentalization of the Kosovo Police.
Commitment to Dialogue and Accountability
The civil society organizations reaffirmed their commitment to constructive dialogue with institutions and urged the Ombudsman to provide responses to the raised questions. „Public discourse on sensitive issues like this must be based on facts and careful consideration, to avoid discouraging victims and to preserve trust in oversight mechanisms,“ the letter concluded.
The letter was signed by CASA, NSI, InTER, ACDC, and Aktiv.
Ombudsman Responds to Allegations of Sexual Harassment in Northern Kosovo
In his appearance on the „Kallxo Përnime“ show, Kosovo’s Ombudsman Naim Qelaj addressed the concerns raised by civil society organizations about sexual harassment in the north. Qelaj confirmed that his office had met with representatives from the Serbian community, the Kosovo Police Inspectorate (PIK), and the Kosovo Police to assess the situation.
He stated that he had requested the Kosovo Police to take action and investigate the allegations. „I asked the Kosovo Police Chief to take measures and conduct checks. The PIK has expressed readiness to investigate these cases, emphasizing that such behavior is unacceptable,“ Qelaj said. He added that, should violations be identified, the necessary actions have already been proposed.
However, Qelaj noted that no official reports of sexual harassment had been received by the Kosovo Police. „So far, no official reports have been filed. This means these allegations might be part of an effort by certain groups to damage the reputation of the Kosovo Police,“ he explained. Nonetheless, Qelaj stressed that all such cases must be thoroughly investigated, even if no formal complaints have been made.
He also reiterated his office’s willingness to support citizens in reporting cases of sexual harassment and offered to have representatives present at police stations, prosecutor offices, and courts to assist.
Calls for Greater Transparency and Accountability
Qelaj called for increased transparency and efficiency from both the Kosovo Police and PIK in investigating allegations of sexual harassment. „It is essential for institutions, including the Kosovo Police and PIK, to exert greater effort to ensure thorough investigations, with well-documented reports, to avoid any case being overlooked,“ he stated.
Qelaj emphasized that no case should be ignored if there is a legitimate suspicion of sexual harassment or abuse of power. He stressed the need for all authorities to be held accountable and for investigations to be conducted in accordance with the law.
Request for Increased Cooperation and Dialogue
Qelaj reiterated the importance of continuous dialogue with civil society organizations and relevant institutions to enhance human rights protection and ensure accountability in law enforcement. „Greater cooperation between institutions and civil society is vital to addressing these issues and ensuring the protection of citizens, especially women and girls in northern Kosovo,“ he concluded.
In recent weeks, there has been a surge in reports and media coverage of sexual and verbal harassment incidents involving predominantly Serb women and girls in northern Kosovo. Many of the victims have been minors, and several of the cases involve men from southern Mitrovica.
Civil Society Groups Address Ombudsman’s Remarks
Around ten days before Qelaj’s response, the civil society organizations—CASA, NSI, InTER, ACDC, and Aktiv—issued a statement expressing deep concern about his remarks. They criticized what they describe as the „inability or unwillingness“ of the Kosovo Police to provide protection to all citizens, especially women and girls.
They also pointed to reportedly ongoing efforts to downplay incidents and intimidate witnesses. Despite the rising number of harassment cases, the organizations expressed frustration that institutions have yet to take decisive action. „Citizens have repeatedly called on the Kosovo Police to ensure their security, but these calls have gone unanswered,“ the statement read. The Kosovo Police Inspectorate has been criticized for its lack of oversight, and the organizations have urged international bodies like EULEX to step in to help with monitoring and accountability.
Claims of a “Hybrid War” and Ethnically Motivated Attacks on NGOs
Meanwhile, Gurakuç Kuçi from the „Octopus“ Institute has warned of a „hybrid war“ being waged in northern Kosovo by certain Serbian NGOs, including „NGO Aktiv.“ Kuçi claims that the goal of this campaign is to weaken Kosovo’s institutions following failed violent attempts to destabilize Banjska and Zvečan.
„After failing in their violent efforts, these groups have shifted to ‘soft power,’ creating new narratives and manipulating emotional issues like the safety of women and girls to delegitimize the Kosovo Police and pave the way for the return of parallel and extremist structures,“ Kuçi told KosovaPress.
He singled out „NGO Aktiv,“ accusing it of pretending to be inclusive while operating almost entirely within the Serbian community.
Aktiv Responds to Accusations
The NGO Aktiv strongly condemned these accusations, calling them baseless and dangerous. „These false claims endanger the safety of our members and partners and undermine the years of professional, transparent work we’ve done,“ said Aktiv.
They condemned the assertion that they were involved in the tragic events in Banjska and emphasized that such rhetoric fuels intolerance, undermines human rights efforts, and jeopardizes the security situation in the region.
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