President Vjosa Osmani today awarded the “Honor of the Republic” medal to the survivors of sexual violence during the last war in Kosovo, Vasfie Krasniqi-Goodman, Shyhrete Tahiri-Sylejmani, and Ramadan Nishori.

Osmani stated that these three names will forever remain engraved in the collective conscience of our people. She added that the survivors of violence, with their pain, have illuminated the path towards truth, justice, and hope.

In this ceremony, Osmani mentioned that there are moments when words are not enough to express gratitude. Sexual violence survivor, Ramadan Nishori, thanked everyone who supported him since the day he decided to publicly share his story. “I salute all our people who have supported me a lot. Thank you very much,” Nishori said, according to KosovaPress.

Meanwhile, Vasfie Krasniqi-Goodman urged all those who experienced sexual violence at that time to seek justice.

Shyhrete Tahiri-Sylaj thanked the president for her support and others for the courage shown towards them. The exact number of people who were raped during the last war in Kosovo is unknown, but reports speak of around 20,000. Their stories remain untold as the survivors still fear stigma and prejudice, and remain silent.