Kosovo General Auditor Vlora Spanca has said that the murder of Arlinda Zekaaj in Vitomirica of Peja from her former constitution is an urgent call for institutional reflection and accountability.

Spanca has said that this grave event turns attention to the findings of the National Auditing Office’s explanation report on the effectiveness of institutions in dealing with domestic violence cases.

The audit was made for the 2020-22 period.

The report identified shortcomings in inter-initiative co-ordination, investigation, monitoring defence orders, involvement of victims’ advocates, record of cases, and social and economic support. Also identified were delays in judicial treatment and lack of programmes for dealing with perpetrators of violence. The audit recommendations are often viewed only as procedural deficiencies, but they are directly linked to the system’s ability to identify risks, timely response and protection of those seeking help, Spanca wrote.

She has said that the KOKA recommendations should be implemented with urgency, responsibility and transparency.

Therefore, recommendations should be applied with urgency, responsibility and transparency through: Systemic and professional risk assessments in every reported case; Effective co-ordination between Police, Prosecutors, Courts, Protection Office and Victims and Social Work Centres; Continued monitoring of protective commands and immediate response to violations or increased risk; Prioritial treatment of cases and avoidance of delays that could affect the safety of victims; and continued support for victims, including housing, social and economic support; and specialised services. Any reports of violence must be taken seriously, any danger warning should be assessed, and any safeguard clause must be applied and monitored, Spanca wrote.

Source Layer: Dukeagini