Pristina 08 March 2011

It is one hundred years since the first International Women’s Day was celebrated. Since then, millions of women worldwide have demanded both political and work rights, and the enactment of laws protecting them from discrimination, guaranteeing them equal access to justice. Yet, full equality has not been achieved in a single country.

For a post-conflict society like Kosovo, equal access to justice and ending the impunity of those who use violence against women are very important elements for the establishment of the rule of law. Last year, Kosovo passed a law that addresses the problem of violence in the home and has created institutions to help and protect victims of domestic violence.

On the occasion of International Women's Day that is marked every year on 8 March, the EULEX Head of Mission, Xavier Bout de Marnhac, made the following statement:

“In Kosovo, the general laws on gender equality provide a solid basis for the promotion of best practices in many areas of social justice, including property and inheritance rights.”

“I call upon the Kosovo institutions to apply the relevant laws on gender equality. EULEX staff are fully prepared to support this undertaking as part of our mandate. I want to emphasize that EULEX pledges to fight any gender-based discrimination. In that regard, equal protection under the laws and equal access to justice must be guaranteed for all women and men in Kosovo. On this important day, I want to express my continuing support to the women of Kosovo.”