The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMIK, Ms. Caroline Ziadeh, visited the Mitrovica region on 12 April 2022, to further familiarize herself with issues pertaining to gender-based violence, the administrative boundary line, and energy issues, in the north of Kosovo. 

SRSG Ziadeh visited the Regional Safe House in Zubin Potok, established with UNMIK support, where she met with NGO leaders and municipal officials involved in the safe house’s operations. The SRSG used the opportunity to gain a more in-depth understanding of local challenges in combating domestic and gender-based violence (DGBV). She discussed the importance of consistent support from all relevant institutions to DGBV survivors in the Mitrovica region and highlighted the Mission’s commitment to this subject matter. The SRSG also discussed the sustainability of the regional safe house, which has provided refuge to 26 survivors since becoming operational in June 2020, through establishing mechanisms for skills development and employment.

Late morning, SRSG Ziadeh made a joint visit to Gate 31 with the Head of EULEX, Mr. Lars-Gunnar Wigemark, who elaborated on the results of the work of EULEX at the common crossing points (CCP). The SRSG and Ambassador Wigemark discussed issues relating to transit through Brnjak/Bërnjak and other CCPs. Local authorities briefed on issues related to the handling of licence plates.

During her visit to the Gazivode dam, SRSG Ziadeh was briefed by the Director of Hydropower Plant, Mr. Marko Vulović, about energy issues.

The SRSG concluded her visit with a meeting with local civil society representatives. They exchanged views on the role of civil society in holding institutions accountable, the right to vote for non-majority communities and building confidence in the Mitrovica region and Kosovo at large.