HUMAN RIGHTS MAINSTREAMING

EULEX is committed to the implementation of a human rights-based approach and human rights due diligence in the execution of its mandate.

Human rights are universal, inalienable, indivisible and interdependent. They are inherent to all human beings, regardless of nationality, sex, race, ethnic origin, religion, language, or any other characteristic or status. They imply specific entitlements for individuals and corresponding obligations for the competent authorities.

EULEX supports rule-of-law institutions in Kosovo in complying with their human rights obligations towards all, without discrimination.

In line with its current mandate, the human rights which EULEX focuses on include: fair trial, liberty, security, freedom from torture and ill-treatment, property, non-discrimination, gender-based violence, right to justice for victims of crimes under international law, the rights of prisoners and probationers, children’s rights in juvenile justice and the right of family members of missing persons to know the truth.

EULEX monitors the entire chain of justice, at police, prosecution and court level, to assess the authorities’ compliance with their respective human rights obligations. Through monitoring, we identify shortcomings and develop recommendations and advice to enable authorities to effectively address these shortcomings.

EULEX is the second security responder, in line with Kosovo’s three-tiered security responder mechanism, where Kosovo Police is the first security responder, EULEX is the second and KFOR is the third security responder. As second security responder, the Mission contributes to protect the right to security, life, and property of all communities.

Human Rights Advisor

EULEX has a full-time International Human Rights Advisor, who provides strategic and operational advice on human rights mainstreaming and human rights due diligence in the implementation of the Mission’s mandate. The Advisor also contributes to Mission documents and reports as well as to training staff on human rights issues; he/she liaises with Kosovo institutions, civil society organizations and international organizations.

Child Rights Focal Points

The Child Rights Focal Points are EULEX Mission Members, appointed to facilitate the mainstreaming of children’s rights in the work of their respective units. 

GENDER MAINSTREAMING

EULEX is committed to the implementation in the execution of its mandate of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda - an essential tool in ensuring that the rights, agency and protection of women and girls are observed and upheld at all times. EULEX actively promotes the WPS Agenda and EU Action Plan principles with tangible effects on the ground. Through a systematic mainstreaming of gender perspective, the Mission helps create opportunities for gender transformative policies and actions, by advising and training local counterparts on international standards, as well as promoting victims-centered responses to the handling of sexual and gender-based violence. Implementing trust-building between security actors and local population as a crucial form of securing gender equality, EULEX strives to promote women’s meaningful participation and empowerment by actively engaging with civil society and women’s organisations in security sector and judicial reform processes.

EULEX remains dedicated to promoting gender equality through Kosovo-led efforts designed to reinforce local ownership and sustainability of gender-sensitive reforms by: Combating and Preventing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), Empowering Women in Security Institutions, through Gender Mainstreaming and Prevention and through Leading by Example.

Combating and Preventing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Gender-based violence is a form of violence directed against a person because of that person's gender, or a form of violence that affects persons of a particular gender disproportionately.

Anyone can experience gender-based violence. Domestic violence, for example, can be directed against women, men or children. Nevertheless, gender-based violence disproportionately affects women and girls because it is rooted in gender inequality and unequal power relationships.

Gender-based violence can be physical, psychological, socio-economic and sexual. It can take many forms including domestic violence, verbal violence, rape, sexual harassment, online harassment, online misogyny, female genital mutilation and murder.

EULEX remains fully committed to support Kosovo institutions and all communities in their work and efforts towards eradication of all forms of gender-based violence in Kosovo.

To this regard, we work together with local institutions and civil society towards prevention and handling of sexual and gender-based violence cases.

Through our expertise, we support legislative and policy changes, thereby enhancing alignment of the Kosovo framework with the standards of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (also known as the Istanbul Convention).

We help strengthen prevention and reporting mechanisms through awareness raising campaigns organized in cooperation with Kosovo institutions and civil society.

We monitor cases and issue recommendations on how to improve the handling of gender-based violence cases by police, prosecutors and judges, often followed by capacity building activities/training.

EULEX also ensures that its regulations and activities are designed in compliance with internationally recognized gender equality standards. Whilst Mission management has the overall responsibility for gender mainstreaming, all staff have an obligation to take into account the gender perspective while executing their duties and responsibilities.

EULEX is also engaged in constantly advocating for increased representation of women in the security sector, ensuring their active involvement in shaping policies and decision-making, and strengthening service provider mechanisms to better reflect the needs of diverse communities.

Gender Advisor

EULEX has a full-time International Gender Advisor, who offers strategic advice on gender mainstreaming in the implementation of the Mission’s mandate. The advisor provides input for Mission documents and reports, as well as relevant legislation. S/he also supports the implementation of mechanisms concerning gender equality and women’s rights in the area of rule of law. Additionally, the advisor performs research and analysis, designs and delivers gender training courses, and liaises with Kosovo institutions, civil society organizations and international organizations.  The Gender Advisor is assisted by the Gender Focal Points and works closely with the Thematic Lead Monitor on Gender-Based Violence.

Gender Focal Points

The Gender Focal Points are EULEX Mission Members, appointed to facilitate gender mainstreaming and to integrate a gender perspective in the work of their respective offices.  Their mainstreaming activities cover both the internal and external work of the Mission.