Implementing Women, Peace and Security agenda central to achieving sustainable development, says CiO Linde after concluding visit to Kosovo

PRISTINA, 8 July 2021 — OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs Ann Linde concluded her visit to Kosovo together with the Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Deputy Executive Director of UN Women, Åsa Regnér, today. The programme included meetings with the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Kosovo authorities and civil society. Linde encouraged authorities to focus further on gender equality and women’s and girl’s enjoyment of human rights, in particular the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda. The Swedish Chairpersonship aims to integrate the Women, Peace and Security agenda into the daily work of the OSCE structures.

“To establish sustainable peace and security for all individuals, peace- and conflict-related processes must be inclusive so that all women, men, girls and boys have the possibility of making their voices heard in the processes that affect their daily lives and safety,” Chairperson Linde said.

Linde stressed the importance of partnership between Kosovo´s Government and the OSCE, particularly with its Mission in Kosovo, to advance reforms. “The OSCE will continue to work with Kosovo’s authorities to strengthen gender equality and countering domestic violence and ensure the full enjoyment of human rights by women and girls,” Linde said after visiting one of the Mission´s Field Offices and discussing the Women, Peace and Security agenda with regional and municipal representatives as well as civil society. “Civil society participation helps the OSCE take better informed decisions, including on the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda”.

Linde also made remarks about Kosovo’s reform agenda: “The achievements made to this day in the functioning of democratic institutions, human rights and the rule of law are firmly rooted. More constructive engagement is a way forward.” 

In meetings with the President of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Donika Gërvalla-Schwarz, and Minister for Communities and Return Goran Rakić, Linde commended the Kosovo institutions’ strong partnerships with the OSCE. “A wide range of community issues, from language compliance and the return of displaced persons, to electoral reform and gender equality – we are all in it together through close co-operation and sustainable development.”  

Commenting on the EU-facilitated Dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade, Linde said that she is encouraged by the resumption of the process. “It is important to engage constructively to advance the process of normalization of relations between Pristina and Belgrade. The OSCE supports the EU-facilitated Dialogue and stands ready to assist in the implementation of agreements in line with its mandate,” she stated.

Regional stability and reconciliation were also discussed, and Linde noted that: “Close regional co-operation is a crucial precondition for integration, prosperity, and the overall development of Kosovo.”