Today the University of Prishtina, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UN Women and the European Union (EU) launched the first Transitional Justice Resource Centre in Kosovo at the University of Prishtina, Faculty of Law.

The launching event for the Transitional Justice Resource Centre served as a forum for discussion with relevant stakeholders on the transitional justice processes in Kosovo and is specifically highlighting the role of academics in transitional justice processes.  

Opening remarks were given by Prof Dr. Marian Demaj, Rector of UP, Ulrika Richardson, UNDP Resident Representative, Atifete Jahjaga, former President of Kosovo, Dr. Annete Fath-Lihic, Chief Politcal Advisor of EU office in Kosovo, Flora Macula, Head of Office, UN WOMEN, and H.E. Per Strand Sjaastad, Ambassador of Royal Norwegian Embassy. 

Ulrika Richardson, UNDP Resident Representative, emphasized how essential transitional justice processes are for reconciliation, trust building, conflict prevention, and sustaining peace. She also had a message for the students present at the amphitheater: “To you, the students, young women and men, take advantage of this new Transitional Justice Resource Centre, be curious, be open, learn as much as possible, and hold those in power accountable. You, the youth of today, will shape Kosovo of tomorrow!”  

As part of the event, a panel discussion took place aiming to identify cooperation opportunities between partners, stakeholders and the Transitional Justice Resource Centre, using experiences from the region and beyond in developing tools and mechanisms that can contribute to the transitional justice processes in Kosovo.  

The creation of the Transitional Justice Resource Centre (TJRC) at the University of Prishtina aims to enhance the role of education at the university level regarding transitional justice processes by providing education programs, scientific research, and awareness raising activities.