The member organizations of the Human Rights Network (HRN) strongly condemn the insulting and inappropriate language used in the meeting of the Municipal Assembly of the Municipality of Rahovec by the Chairman Mr. Smajl Latifi.

“During the meeting of the Municipal Assembly of Rahovec held on August 30, 2023, Mayor Latifi in his speech salutes the martyrs of some villages and non-majority communities in Kosovo, but during the same speech he uses insulting language towards the Roma community in Kosovo”

“Respect for the martyrs from … and the Egyptian community, especially the Ashkali, but for the Roma community they are more or less different, even some of them are, they are martyrs of the Serbian forces…”, were the words of Mayor Smajli which you can find  in this link from minute 36:15.

The use of such a discourse, even more so in the highest municipal institution, is concerning and unacceptable. Such language incites division, inter-ethnic hatred and insecurity for the Roma community in the city of Rahovec and throughout Kosovo.

HRN calls on all state actors to refrain from insulting and derogatory comments and work towards building inter-ethnic harmony, respect for the dignity of all citizens, as well as commit to creating an inclusive environment in all institutions and in society in general. At the same time, civil society organizations invite Mr. Latifi to immediately publicly apologize for the language used in the Municipal Assembly.

Member organizations of the Human Rights Network (HRN):

Youth Initiative for Human Rights Kosova (YIHR KS)

Association of Paraplegics and Children with Paralysis in Kosovo (HANDIKOS)

Center for Equality and Liberty – CEL Kosovo

Kosovo Law Institute (KLI)

Kosovo Center for Gender Studies (KGSC)

 New Social Initiative (NSI)

Voice of Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptians (VORAE)