STATEMENT BY
MS. SONIA UMU KARIM
MINISTER COUNSELLOR/ DEPUTY POLTICAL COORDINATOR
Thank you, Mr. President.
I also thank Ms. Caroline Ziadeh, Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), for her comprehensive briefing.
Sierra Leone welcomes the participation of His Excellency Mr. Marko Djurić, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Serbia, Ms. Donika Gërvalla-Schwarz, and His Excellency Mr. Stavros Lambrinidis, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations.
We take note of the Secretary-General’s Report, as well as the European Union Rule of Law (EULEX) Mission Report.
Sierra Leone commends the collective efforts of all actors on the ground, local political authorities, civil society, and international partners, who are working tirelessly to advance Kosovo’s stability and development.
We welcome the successful elections held earlier this year in February, particularly commending the consultative approach employed leading up to the elections. The certification of the election results presents a critical opportunity to restore trust in governing institutions and contribute to building an inclusive and peaceful society for Kosovo’s multi-ethnic people. We hope this spirit continues in the forthcoming mayoral elections in the four municipalities of North Kosovo.
We commend the progress achieved through the EU-facilitated dialogue and the establishment of the Joint Commission on Missing Persons. This step is essential in advancing peacebuilding efforts, fostering reconciliation, and addressing the human consequences of conflict, thus paving the way for a more just and sustainable peace.
Sierra Leone, however, remains concerned about the excessive presence and conduct of police forces, particularly in Northern Kosovo. Democracy, human rights, and the rule of law are interdependent, and the erosion of one threatens the others. In light of recent reports, we urge a swift, impartial, and thorough investigation into these incidents.
Mr. President,
The EU accession path remains the most viable route for Kosovo’s development, and the terms of the implementation annex cannot be bypassed. We reiterate our call for deeper cooperation between Belgrade and Pristina to ensure the full implementation of the Ohrid Agreement.
Given the escalating tensions and socio-economic stagnation in the Western Balkans, which risk sparking conflict with potential spillover effects, we propose the following measures to support peacebuilding, stability, and the continued implementation of the agreement.
First, we urge both parties to recognize that failure to comply with the terms of the agreement will have negative consequences for all involved. We call for the full and good-faith implementation of the agreement, without selectivity, to ensure comprehensive progress, particularly in the context of EU accession.
The lack of progress in establishing the Association/Community of Serb-majority Municipalities is concerning, particularly as the welfare of some communities in Kosovo is being adversely affected by Kosovo authorities shutting down Serbia-run administrative services, especially those related to social welfare.
We note Belgrade’s commitment in this regard and urge Pristina to take immediate, decisive action to address the challenges faced by these communities. Protection of human rights must be prioritized, and the concerns of these communities should not be overshadowed by the need for state control.
Second, while the security situation appears stable, peace remains fragile. We are deeply concerned by incidents of violence resulting in damage to critical infrastructure and property. Sierra Leone condemns all forms of violence, particularly acts of terror, intimidation, and hate, which have occurred in certain areas.
Divisive rhetoric, including hate speech directed at women in politics, is unacceptable and must not be tolerated as a means of expressing dissent or dissatisfaction. We recognize the invaluable role of civil society organizations and urge authorities to engage in dialogue and take swift action to investigate and hold accountable those responsible for these incidents, including those in Banjska in 2023.
We also acknowledge the efforts of UNMIK in fostering trust between communities and advancing the women and youth peace and security agenda.
Third, building a society that reflects and serves the needs of all of Kosovo’s diverse people cannot happen in isolation. It requires the active participation of all community members at every level.
We welcome the Kosovo Judicial Council and the Kosovo Prosecutorial Council’s efforts to include judges, prosecutors, and support staff from the Kosovo Serb and non-majority communities.
We encourage further efforts to ensure meaningful representation, which fosters trust, understanding, and challenges negative perceptions. This approach empowers marginalized groups and contributes to a more equitable and vibrant society. We also urge cooperation from these groups to integrate their unique perspectives and cultural experiences into Kosovo’s governance and administration.
In closing, Mr. President, Sierra Leone commends the Specialist Chambers (SC) and the Specialist Prosecutor’s Office (SPO) for their progress in bringing perpetrators to justice and providing redress to victims.
While acknowledging the critical role of UN-led and other international post-conflict interventions, we believe the stability of Kosovo ultimately rests in the hands of its people. Sierra Leone, therefore, echoes the Secretary-General’s call for both parties to reaffirm their commitment to the European Union-facilitated dialogue and to address outstanding issues constructively and in good faith within the framework of the dialogue.
I thank you.
