Registered Kosovo Rape Survivors Receive Compensation

During the war in Kosovo, thousands of women were raped. Since 2018, 20 years after the events, they have been given compensation of €230 as victims of war.

According to Human Rights Organizations, 20 000 girls and women were raped. A 41-year-old woman, who demanded to remain anonymous, stated, “They took me and my sister. I don’t know how many soldiers raped me, because I passed out.”

But currently, only 600 victims are registered. Even if the identity is kept secret, the majority of rape survivors remain silent because of the Omerta and family pressures. In Kosovo, rape is still considered as a shame for the family honor. Since the end of the war, nobody has been convicted by Kosovar tribunals.  

At the end of the day, rape survivors continue to be victims: victims of silence.

By Antoine Dewaest

Photo: rally against violence towards women on March 8, 2017-ARMEND NIMANI/AFP