HUMAN RIGHTS WEEK 12TH EDITION
HUMAN RIGHTS WEEK 12TH EDITION
In times of uncertainties in democracy, we are reminded that justice, accountability, and human rights depend on our collective courage to speak up and act. This year’s Human Rights Week theme demoCrisis, reflects the current political turbulence in Kosovo’s parliament and its impact on democratic processes and civic freedoms. Over the course of five days, a series of dynamic activities will explore how political instability, lack of accountability, and systemic challenges affect the rights and daily lives of citizens. Through discussions, street actions, and creative interventions such as exhibitions, we aim to strengthen civic engagement, demand transparency, and highlight the vital link between a functioning democracy and the protection of human rights. By uniting communities and fostering critical reflection, this edition underscores that democracy, accountability, and justice are not abstract ideals—they are essential to the dignity, equality, and freedoms of every individual.
Meeting with NGOs on human rights situation
Monday, 8th of December, 13:00, at Barabar Center, 4th Floor – Grand Hotel, Prishtina
The first activity of the 12th edition of Human Rights Week will bring together a group of NGOs for a focused meeting on the current state of human rights in Kosovo. Participants will exchange insights on recent developments, emerging challenges, and ongoing issues affecting the protection of fundamental rights. This gathering will foster collaboration, strengthen networks, and provide a platform for civil society to collectively strategize, share experiences, and amplify their advocacy efforts. By uniting voices from across the sector, this session sets the tone for an engaging and action-driven week dedicated to defending justice, equality, and human dignity.
*This activity is closed for the public.
Let’s Watch It
Tuesday, 9th of December, 18:00, at Activism HUB
As part of Human Rights Week, we are not just watching a film, we are revisiting a moment when one person’s voice turned into a movement.
At a time when sexual orientation was used as a reason for exclusion, violence and silence, Harvey Milk chose not to remain silent. Not because he was the most powerful, but because he understood that silence is the most dangerous form of submission.
The movie “MILK” is a story of courage, of a community that refused to remain invisible, and of how one voice can ignite thousands of others. This film reminds us that equality is not a privilege, it is a universal human right.
Street action “Human Rights Day”
Wednesday, 10th of December, 12:00, Str. Fehmi Agani
This year, the streets of Prishtina will become a stage for action and accountability on the third day of Human Rights Week. Under the banner DemoCRISIS, we will take to the streets to highlight how political instability impacts our rights, freedoms, and everyday lives. At the center of this initiative stands a mural, a visual reflection of the current state of our democracy. More than an artwork, it serves as a public statement and a call for transparency, justice, and civic responsibility. Through this creative intervention, we make one message unmistakably clear: citizens will not remain silent while democracy weakens. Join us as we reclaim public space, demand accountability, and stand together for a Kosovo where rights, dignity, and participation are non-negotiable.
Exhibition “I will not be sitting in silence”
Wednesday, 10th of December, 19:00, at Barabar Center, 4th Floor – Grand Hotel, Prishtina
“I Will Not Be Sitting in Silence” is an exhibition that reflects the ongoing struggles queer people face throughout the year struggles of being, living authentically, coming out, and existing safely, whether closeted, open, or somewhere in between. Created to mark each National Queer Day, this exhibition aims to offer space and visibility to every queer identity, honoring the stories and lived realities across the wide spectrum of our community. Our stories and experiences matter. We deserve to be heard, whether we speak of the past, the present, or the future we hope to build.
The exhibition was created by CEL Kosova in collaboration with Zana Begolli, as the artist of the as the photographer and artist, alongside Anyla Kabashi, who joins the project as assistant curator.
Video Launch “Kosovo 1989-1999”
Thursday, 11th of December, 17:30, at Kino Armata
On the fourth day of Human Rights Week we invite everyone to a screening of our original animated video, with a discussion followed by author and journalist Tim Judah and journalist Veton Surroi.
This video is a powerful artistic reflection of the last war in Kosovo. Through a visual methodic storytelling, this video brings forth our collective history and pain, shared memories and on-going struggling fight for justice and truth. Animation becomes our medium for storytelling and humanizing history, for those silenced stories that have been forgotten in the whirlpool of suffering and turmoil. This screening serves not only as an act of remembrance, but of accountability, a call for empathy and compassion.
Human Rights Activist of the Year Award 2025
Friday, 12th of December, 20:00, at Menza Ramiz Sadiku
To conclude this year’s Human Rights Week, we will come together as an act of celebration for the tireless pursuit of justice and accountability. During the night we will be awarding the Activist of the Year Award 2025, in recognition of an individual, group or organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of human rights and social justice in Kosovo. We are honored to have the French activist and feminist, Mrs Shanley Clemot McLarnen, who will announce the prize This is not only a night of recognition but also of joy, community and solidarity. We will dance, laugh and honor the driving force of activism that keeps our fight for justice alive.
This edition of Human Rights Week is implemented in collaboration with CEL Kosova and is supported by UNMIK, British Embassy Prishtina, French Embassy in Kosovo, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, SIDA and Council of Europe.