THE MANDATE OF HUMAN RIGHTS SECTOR
The Sector for Human Rights directs, coordinates and plans all activities intertwisted with mission to promote respect for human rights and liberties and to offer assistance and legal advice for advancement and protection of rights of victims of torture.
Within the mandate to promote and advance respect for human rights of persons deprived of liberty, this sector undertakes regular monitoring activities at places of detention, such as: prisons, detention centers, detention cells at police stations, mental health institutions and promotes good practices and legislative standards for protection and advancement of human rights of persons deprived of liberty.
MAIN ACTIVITIES OF HUMAN RIGHTS SECTOR
- monitoring correctional and detention centers;
- monitoring police stations, riots and different gatherings;
- monitoring centers and mental health institutions;
- providing legal assistance for persons deprived of their liberty;
- monitoring the judiciary system on implementation of human rights ;
- conducting advocacy and awareness raising activities within the mandate of sector.
Monitoring: within the mandate of Sector for Human Rights and Advocacy, the main activity is monitoring of detention institutions (where persons deprived of liberty are placed) to asses objectively and systematically human rights situation at these institutions. KRCT teams carried out regular monitoring visits at correctional institutions, police stations and mental health institutions.
Recommendations: through recommendations addressed to different responsibility levels at correctional institutions, KRCT aims to increase level of respect for human rights recommending improvements or concrete changes in the ways of treating persons deprived of liberty.
Reporting: as part of monitoring methodology, KRCT continuously reports to responsible authorities on human rights situation at these institutions, paying attention especially to most problematic and important aspects of prison life.
ADVOCACY
KRCT’s advocacy program is a cornerstone of its mission to address the needs and rights of survivors of torture, with a particular focus on civilian war victims and survivors of war-related sexual violence. The program operates across multiple levels to create systemic change, ensure justice, and empower survivors. Key aspects include:
Legal and Policy Advocacy
- Recognition of Sexual Violence Survivors: KRCT played a pivotal role in advocating for the legal recognition of wartime sexual violence survivors in Kosovo. This includes lobbying for their inclusion in laws and reparations frameworks.
- Reparations and Justice: The program pushes for comprehensive reparations policies, including financial compensation, access to healthcare, and psychological support. KRCT also supports legal processes to bring perpetrators to justice, including documenting evidence and offering survivor-centered legal assistance.
Community Mobilization
- Stigma Reduction: KRCT actively works to combat stigma surrounding sexual violence survivors through public awareness campaigns, community dialogues, and education programs.
- Engaging Key Stakeholders: The organization collaborates with local leaders, institutions, and international bodies to foster a supportive environment for survivors.
Survivor Empowerment
- Capacity Building: KRCT empowers survivors through training and skills development, enabling them to advocate for their own rights and participate in decision-making processes.
- Support Networks: Establishing survivor-led groups and networks to provide peer support and amplify their voices.
Research and Documentation
- Evidence Collection: KRCT documents cases of wartime sexual violence and torture to support advocacy efforts and ensure historical accountability.
- Intergenerational Trauma Studies: Groundbreaking research on intergenerational trauma has informed family therapy programs and highlighted the long-term impact of war-related violence.
INTERNATIONAL ADVOCACY
- Global Platforms: KRCT represents the voices of survivors at international forums, advocating for global recognition of their rights and the need for justice.
- Policy Influence: The organization contributes to shaping international policies on torture prevention and sexual violence in conflict zones.
Through its advocacy program, KRCT ensures that survivors’ needs are prioritized, their voices are heard, and systemic barriers to justice and healing are dismantled. This comprehensive approach combines grassroots action with high-level policy influence, making KRCT a leader in the field of survivor-centered advocacy.