In the framework of the cooperation project “Reinforcing the fight against violence against women and domestic violence- Phase III”, a Council of Europe’s independent expert delegation will carry out a visit to Kosovo* from 21 to 25 February 2022. This visit to Pristina and Gjakova is a key step in the co-operation activity aiming at assessing the alignment of Kosovo* with the Council Europe Convention on Preventing and Combatting Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence (Istanbul Convention). In September 2020, the National Assembly of Kosovo* adopted an amendment to the Constitution that gave direct effect to the Istanbul Convention. The above cooperation activity follows the methodology of the Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (GREVIO), and will culminate in the publication of an assessment report in the course of 2022, offering a tailor-made roadmap for strengthening the response to violence against women and domestic violence.

The Istanbul Convention is based on the understanding that violence against women must be addressed in all its forms, through the prevention of such violence, the protection of the victims, the prosecution of the perpetrators as well as the implementation of co-ordinated policies in this field.

The expert delegation will be composed of a GREVIO member, acting as an adviser, as well as independent legal and social experts specialised in the field of violence against women.

Meetings will be held with representatives from different ministries and public bodies such as the National Co-ordinator against Domestic Violence, the Ministry of Justice, the Agency for Gender Equality, the Ministry of Labour Finance and Transfer, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, as well as members of parliament, the judiciary, prosecution and law enforcement services. In addition, the expert delegation will meet with representatives of non-governmental organisations and civil society working in the area of violence against women.

*All reference to Kosovo, whether to the territory, institutions or population, in this text shall be understood in full compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 and without prejudice to the status of Kosovo.