Leaders of Kosovo’s five religious communities have issued a joint statement calling for respect, responsibility, and the preservation of social peace during the election period.

In the statement signed by the Islamic Community of Kosovo, the Serbian Orthodox Church, the Catholic Church, the Evangelical Protestant Church, and the Jewish Community, the importance of democratic values and the need for a responsible public climate are emphasized.

The religious leaders called for the use of respectful language in public debate, opposing insults, humiliation, and personal attacks. They also called for full respect toward women and girls, condemning sexist language and harmful gender stereotypes.

The statement also calls for the rejection of hate speech, threats, and incitement to violence, as well as respect for ethnic, religious, and social diversity.

Religious representatives also stressed the importance of honesty and accuracy in public communication, calling for efforts to combat disinformation and manipulation, as well as respect for the law and democratic standards.

The document further calls for ethical behavior in the media and on social networks, with a focus on preventing bullying, online abuse, and degrading language.

“Words matter. They shape behavior. They divide or unite. We call on everyone in public life to choose respect, truth, and responsibility,” the statement says.