This nomination, proposed by Swedish Member of Parliament Magnus Jacobsson, recognizes Feride’s and KRCT‘s significant contributions to justice, human rights and the rehabilitation of survivors of wartime sexual violence in Kosovo. This acknowledgment not only honors Dr. Rushiti's and KRCT’s individual efforts but also highlights the broader struggle of Kosovar post conflict society for justice and healing.
forumZFD in Kosovo and KRCT have collaborated on a numerous projects and initiatives, jointly contributing to knowledge production and fostering an open, inclusive societal discourse on the legacy of wartime sexual violence. Such efforts, moreover, contribute to countering stigma and prejudice, while involving broader society, researchers, artist community and academia in conversation.
forumZFD congratulates Dr Feride Rushiti to the nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize 2025. Dr Feride Rushiti's nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize is a recognition of her enormous efforts as director of the Kosovo Rehabilitation Center for Torture Victims (KRCT) to support survivors of wartime sexual violence and advocate for justice, healing, reconciliation, and human dignity since the Kosovo war in 1998/1999. forumZFD conducted and interview with Dr Rushiti and thereby provides an in-depth reflection on what this nomination means—not only to KRCT and its dedicated team but also to survivors in Kosovo and beyond.
1. What does the nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize mean to you personally, and how does it impact your work at Kosovo Rehabilitation Center for Torture Victims (KRCT)?
This nomination is personally deeply humbling. But it is not just about me or the KRCT team, it is above all a tribute to the unwavering courage and resilience of survivors of wartime sexual violence. It takes me back to the refugee camps of Kukës, Albania, during the war in Kosovo in 1998/1999, where, as a young doctor, I first encountered the haunting silence of those who carried traumatizing stories of unimaginable pain. From that moment, my mission became clear: to ensure their voices would never be silenced and their suffering would never be forgotten.
For KRCT colleagues, this nomination validates our relentless efforts to bring justice, healing, and hope to survivors of wartime sexual violence. It honours the trust placed in us by survivors and extends to all women and children impacted by gender-based violence and refugees. Their courage inspires us every day and strengthens our determination to press forward, no matter what obstacles.
Above all, this nomination is a beacon of hope, a powerful recognition that their stories matter and that our work resonates not only in Kosovo but across the world. It is a call to continue fighting for dignity, justice, and a more peaceful future for all, while intensifying efforts to prevent torture and violence everywhere.
2. What message does this nomination send to survivors of wartime sexual violence in Kosovo and internationally?
This nomination sends a powerful and affirming message to survivors: You are seen, you are heard, and your pain has not been forgotten. For too long, survivors of wartime sexual violence have endured silence and marginalization, often hidden from public discourses. This recognition tells them that their stories are important, and that the global community acknowledges their struggles and resilience.
For survivors in Kosovo, it is a profound moment of validation, showing them that their courage to speak out and seek justice has reached far beyond our borders. Internationally, it serves as a symbol of solidarity for survivors everywhere, reminding them that they are not alone in their challenging journey. It sends a clear signal that while justice may be slow, the fight for accountability and healing is ongoing and supported on a global level. This nomination encourages survivors to continue sharing their voices, knowing they can inspire change and contribute to a future free from such atrocities.
3. In which ways can your nomination influence international efforts to address and prevent wartime sexual violence?
Cases of wartime sexual violence demands urgent and immediate actions of the international community. This nomination is a call to focus on accountability, justice, and survivor-centred support while breaking the silence and stigma that have kept survivors in the shadows. Their voices must be heard and must guide global efforts to create meaningful change.
Addressing this issue requires moving beyond words to real, lasting action. We must confront the causes of such violence and work toward a future where it is no longer tolerated. Justice, rehabilitation, and reparations must be central to this work, with a commitment to systemic change.
Governments and policymakers must prioritize survivor-centred solutions in shaping laws and peacebuilding efforts. Survivors’ experiences must guide these processes, ensuring that justice is not just hope but a reality we achieve together. This is a call for the world to act now to end wartime sexual violence and ensure it never happens again.
4. What would winning the Nobel Peace Prize mean for your work and for Kosovo’s efforts in addressing its wartime history?
Winning the Nobel Peace Prize would be a transformative moment, both for our work at KRCT and for Kosovo as a whole. For KRCT, it would provide an unparalleled platform to advocate for survivors of wartime sexual violence and strengthen our ability to deliver support, justice, and healing. It would allow us to expand our outreach, enhance our programs, and amplify the voices of survivors on a global scale.
For Kosovo, it would signify a pivotal step in confronting and addressing its wartime history. It would draw international attention to the unhealed wounds of the past, encouraging dialogue and a deeper understanding of the need for justice and accountability. It would also help Kosovo position itself as an advocate for human rights and peacebuilding on the global stage, demonstrating that even small nations can lead with resilience and purpose.
Winning the prize would reaffirm that the suffering endured during war must never be repeated and that healing is possible when truth and justice are prioritized. It would also inspire future generations to continue the fight for peace, dignity, and human rights, ensuring that the lessons of Kosovo’s history contribute to a more just and compassionate world.
The forumZFD office in Kosovo and KRCT have been formal partners since 2017, collaborating on the publication and promotion of "I want to be heard", “Beyond Pain, Towards Courage”, and “Unheard voices”, along with various advocacy initiatives.