Today there are solemn sessions in the Assembly for survivors of the sex violence of war

The Kosovo Assembly will hold a solemn session Tuesday at 5 o'clock on the occasion of marking Memorial Day of the survivors of sexual violence during the war in Kosovo, which is marked 14 April.

The agenda includes marking this day under the motto “Give me back the light”, which is dedicated to the memory of the suffering and sacrifices of all those who have experienced sexual violence during the 1999 war in Kosovo.

This day aims to honor the memory of survivors and to recall the extent of the crimes committed during the war.

Earlier, the survivors of sexual violence during the war -- Vasfije Krasniqi Goodman and Sjoete Tahiri Sullivan -- have stressed that this day, in addition to being heavy and painful, represents days of courage, seeking continued institutional and social support, since, according to them, the past cannot be forgotten.

According to data presented by Kosovo institutions, some 20,000 cases of sexual rape by members of Serbian forces have been recorded during the last war, although the exact number remains undefined.

Since 2014, with the adoption of relevant legislation, survivors of sexual violence in Kosovo have the right to apply for the status of the victim of sexual violence and to benefit monthly retirement.