Kosovo President awards presidential medal to 'Mothers of Srebrenica'

In her address, President Osmani paid tribute to the victims of the Srebrenica genocide, stating that "more than 8,000 men and boys were massacred by the genocidal forces of [Serbian President] Slobodan Milosevic."

"Despite their immeasurable grief, the mothers of Srebrenica – just like many mothers from Kosovo – found the strength to raise their voices," Osmani said. "They became the voice of those who could no longer speak, and with every photograph they held in their hands, they kept the memory alive."

President Osmani noted that throughout her mandate, she has often honoured Kosovar mothers who turned their pain into strength, seeking justice for children lost in war. "Today, I have the honour, on behalf of all citizens and in accordance with my constitutional powers, to award the Presidential Medal of Service to the Mothers of Srebrenica," she announced.

A representative of the Mothers of Srebrenica thanked the President, emphasising the importance of their decades-long advocacy.

"We have shown the world the truth. We fought for the adoption of UN General Assembly resolutions so that the genocide would never be forgotten," she said. "If I lost my son, I did not lose my pride. We opened the world’s eyes to our human dignity."

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Foreign Minister Elmedin Konakovic, who also took part in the forum, expressed deep gratitude for the recognition. He described the Mothers of Srebrenica as a "global symbol of dignity."

"These women endured the greatest human pain and suffering, yet they transformed it into a force for justice, remembrance, and peace. They never sought revenge—only the truth," Konakovic stated.

The two-day International Forum on Women, Peace, and Security in Pristina brings together participants from 45 countries to address global challenges and promote women's leadership in peacebuilding and human rights.