Today, a memorandum of understanding was signed in North Mitrovica for the construction of a new safe house. This facility, designated to offer protection for victims of domestic violence, will be located in a building that had previously been halted by the municipality in July of last year. The memorandum was signed by representatives from the municipality, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry for Local Government.
The signing ceremony was attended by three high-ranking officials from Pristina: Xhelal Sveçla, Albulena Haxhiu, and Elbert Krasniqi. Their visit, which was not announced to Serbian media, included a tour from the mayor’s office through the former military remanufacturing facility (known as „Vojni remont“), the promenade, and the main bridge, before returning to the municipal building.
During their visit, an incident occurred involving Aleksandar Arsenijević, leader of the Serbian Democratic Party, who was briefly detained and fined by Kosovo police for disrupting public order. Arsenijević was reportedly blowing a whistle as the ministers passed by.
Following the memorandum signing, the officials, accompanied by Mayor Erden Atić and his deputy Katarina Ađančić, proceeded to the Vojni remont area. This location had previously been the site of halted construction on a school intended for children from pre-war Southern Mitrovica schools (predominantly Roma children), along with other buildings, including a rectorate funded by Serbian authorities.
Despite the construction halt last July, work had continued on this facility, including the installation of windows and doors, which the visiting ministers inspected today alongside municipal leaders.
The ministers declined to comment to the media. Initially, Sveçla requested a “distance” from the press but later confirmed that today’s visit was a working one, explaining the lack of prior media notification. He confirmed that the memorandum was related to the establishment of a safe house in Mitrovica.
When approached, Albulena Haxhiu’s team inquired if we spoke Albanian. Upon learning that we did not, Haxhiu said, “Sorry,” and did not respond further, despite requests for a response in English.
Katarina Ađančić, the municipality’s vice-president, emphasized the critical need for a regional safe house, stating that all four northern municipalities require such a facility. Ađančić took credit for the project, describing it as her initiative to address the urgent need for a space to support victims of domestic violence.
“This space is vital and has all necessary capacities. I insisted that it be an enduring institution, independent of elections and changes in municipal leadership, with all four municipalities contributing to its support,” Ađančić said.
She noted that while there is a safe house in Zubin Potok, funded by North Mitrovica, it is no longer under the municipality’s purview due to the departure of Serbs from Kosovo institutions and alleged expropriation by Zubin Potok municipality.
Ađančić highlighted that the new facility in North Mitrovica will be significantly larger and better equipped to accommodate women in need. Although she did not know the exact number of women requiring shelter, she referenced 120 cases of domestic violence reported in the north since January.
The ownership and investment details for the building intended to become the safe house remain unclear. Ađančić noted that no one has come forward to claim ownership or pursue legalization of the property, despite its construction status.
Veton Elshani, Deputy Commander of the Kosovo Police for the northern region, confirmed that authorities are aware of the ongoing work at the site despite a previous halt order and are investigating the matter.
For the safe house to become operational, a licensing procedure for the managing NGO will be initiated. Ađančić mentioned two potential organizations: „Women’s Rights,“ known for its extensive experience in this field, and the „Society of Social Workers,“ which could benefit from this opportunity to assist.
In addressing concerns about the safety and quality of life for the shelter’s beneficiaries, Ađančić said that the facility will be well-secured by the police. While addressing community integration and socialization concerns, she mentioned plans for specialized police protection to ensure the safety of women and children.
The former Military Remanufacturing facility—Vojni remont area—was allocated to the Kosovo Ministry of Internal Affairs by the Severna Mitrovica Municipal Assembly on December 29 last year. The parcel currently houses several institutions operating within the Serbian system, including municipal offices, public utilities, a bus station funded by the European Union, and a newly built sports hall.
The facility in question, initially intended for relocated schools and Roma language education, now aims to become a crucial regional safe house.
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