To mark the International Human Rights Day, the OSCE mission in Kosovo and AAB College, today held a roundtable discussion on “Freedom, equality and justice”, as fundamental values for a harmonious and inclusive society.
The table consisted of four panelists who were religious leaders: the representative of the Islamic Community of Kosovo, Vedat ef. Sahiti, the representative of the Catholic Church, Don Mikel Sopi, the representative of the Evangelical Protestant Church, Artur Krasniqi, the representative of the Serbian Orthodox Church, Jovan Cvetkovic and the dean of the Faculty of Law, Mentor Lecaj. This panel was moderated by the Local Advisor for Human Rights from the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Valbona Dërmaku.
In her introductory speech, the vice-dean of AAB College, Venera Llunji, said that AAB College, with its commitment to academic excellence and its role in shaping the minds of future leaders, plays a key role in promoting critical thinking, tolerance and understanding among young people. She added that Kosovo is characterized by different cultures and religious traditions, but it is essential to recognize the importance of its secular approach. While he said that the secular nature of Kosovo not only reflects the principles of inclusiveness but serves as the basis of an environment where all citizens coexist peacefully.
The Dean of the Faculty of Law, Mentor Lecaj, thanked the participants, saying that such organizations help students understand in more detail the importance of respecting human rights. He also mentioned the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the weight it carries, but he also cited some of the chapters of religious books that call for equality over the centuries.
Vedas ef. Sahiti, as a representative of the Islamic Community, appreciated the religious tolerance that exists in Kosovo, where all religions coexist in a single state, without problems, controversies or anything similar. Even Don Mikel Sopi from the Catholic Church emphasized that the religion he belongs to appeals for peace and solidarity between each other, which was confirmed by the representative of the Serbian Orthodox Church, Jovan Cvetkovic, while adding that love between each other must be present every time. The representative of the Evangelical Protestant Church, Artur Krasniqi, said that 75 years after the publication of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it is still evident and necessary to respect it, to live in peace and harmony among people.
In the end, the students had some questions for the panelists related to the topic discussed, with a focus on the role that religious leaders and their followers have in progress and respect of these rights in Kosovo and around the world.
