A resolution has been introduced in the US Congress, by Democratic and Republican congressmen, which seeks to honor the survivor of sexual violence during the war in Kosovo, Vasfije Krasniqi-Goodman, and also calls for an end to impunity for war crimes committed by Serbian forces.
The resolution was presented by Congresswoman Julie Johnson, while it has been sponsored by other congressmen such as Keith Self, Ritchie Torres, Jim McGovern, Marc Veasey, Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez, George Latimer, Mike Lawler and Ilhan Omar.
“Vasfija’s strength has inspired countless people around the world, but justice for what she endured has never come. This resolution sends a clear message: the international community must not turn a blind eye to war crimes. Survivors deserve accountability – not silence. This is not just about what happened 25 years ago – it is about what we are willing to do now to protect human rights, empower survivors, and tell the truth,” said Congresswoman Johnson.
Vasfije Krasniqi thanked the congressmen for the resolution.
The resolution calls on the Government of Kosovo to uphold its commitments to survivors and prioritize unresolved cases of sexual violence from the 1999 war. It calls on the Government of Serbia to prosecute those responsible for sexual crimes during the war. It presses the US Government to raise the case of Vasfije Krasniqi-Goodman in diplomatic engagements with Serbia and to strengthen US efforts to prevent gender-based violence globally.
"This resolution is a testament to an unwavering commitment to justice and accountability for the 20 survivors of sexual crimes during the war in Kosovo. Thank you for your continued support for survivors in our quest for justice and accountability, and we look forward to moving this legislation to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and beyond," said Vasfije Krasniqi.
The co-author of the resolution is Vera Mjeku.
Vasfije Krasniqi-Goodman wrote on Facebook about Resolution 26, thanking both the congressmen who introduced it and co-author Vera Mjeku.
Feride Rushiti, director of the Kosovo Center for the Rehabilitation of Torture Survivors, also wrote about the Resolution.
"A big step towards justice! The US Congress presents Resolution 26 – a powerful voice against the crimes of sexual violence in Kosovo. A long, painful and silent battle that is finally getting the attention it deserves. Gratitude to you Vasfije Krasniqi Goodman – a symbol of courage – and Vera Mjeku for your dedication and tireless voice in this journey towards the truth. This resolution brings hope to every survivor who has waited for justice for years," Rushiti wrote.
