The Human Rights Network (HRN) strongly condemns the derogatory language used yesterday, on June 22, 2023, during the session of the Assembly of Kosovo by Deputy Valentina Bunjaku-Rexhepi, who is also a member of the Committee on Rights and Interests of Communities and Returns.
In yesterday’s session, during a discussion on public finances, the LDK Deputy Bunjaku-Rexhepi used the word “magjup” with the intention of demeaning Deputy Adnan Rrustemi. The pejorative language used in the Assembly of Kosovo yesterday displays an offensive, insulting, and derogatory behavior of the deputy towards non-majority communities in Kosovo. This kind of approach is not only unacceptable but also harmful when it becomes part of public discourse by people’s representatives.
HRN is concerned about the lack of reaction to such language from the Speaker of the Assembly of Kosovo, Mr. Konjufca, and other present deputies, which in a way legitimizes such jargon in an important public institution.
Furthermore, such practices of using discriminatory language and spreading hatred from the podium of the Assembly of Kosovo have become frequent, and such a practice is dangerous and has a long-term effect on the dignity and integrity of marginalized communities in Kosovo, and it may lead to further marginalization of certain groups or individuals.
HRN calls on the Speaker of the Parliament, Glauk Konjufca, to condemn the discriminatory language used in the Assembly of Kosovo during the next session, to take administrative measures against the respective deputy in accordance with the rules of procedure of the Assembly, and at the same time, HRN calls on all deputies to raise awareness and stop discrimination, hate speech, and racism against non-majority communities and citizens of Kosovo.
Member organizations of the Human Rights Network (HRN):
Youth Initiative for Human Rights – Kosovo (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 – Nova društvena inicijativa (NSI)
Voice of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptians (VORAE)
