KOMF: Call for investigation and immediate action!

The Coalition of NGOs for Child Protection – KOMF, which represents 35 non-governmental organizations, expresses deep concern for the tragic incident that happened in Gjakova, which ended with the death of a four-year-old girl. This unprecedented event raises serious questions about the fulfillment of the human, medical and ethical responsibilities of health care professionals.

According to the reports and suspicions raised by the girl’s parents which were broadcast in the media, they have allegations that the girl was attacked from two other children, being forcefully hit on the back and chest, which also led to the fall. Despite the serious condition of the child, the parents stated that the medical response to her condition was insufficient.

They claim that during the day they sought medical help for their daughter several times, but received only superficial advice from the medical team, tragically underestimating the severity of her condition. According to the parents, the girl did not receive a full medical examination and her proper treatment was neglected causing the fatality, which raises deep concerns and questions about the professional ethics of the medical personnel.

Based on this serious event, KOMF calls for the institutions responsible in fulfilling their mandate to treat the case with absolute priority and immediately undertake the necessary actions and measures according to the legislation in force.

• We demand immediate institutional attention to the alleged medical negligence and its fatal consequences.
• We ask the relevant authorities to conduct a full and transparent investigation into the medical practices followed in this case, ensuring full accountability from local institutions.
• We demand the full implementation of the legislation in force and the undertaking of all measures according to the results of the investigation, to prevent such tragedies in the future.

KOMF will continue to closely follow the further proceedings of this case by the institutions and will continue to demand accountability from them, taking where necessary the collective responsibility to guarantee that our children develop in a safe and caring environment, where their basic rights are protected and are the foundation of society’s development.

KOMF expresses its sincere condolences to the family for their loss and hopes that such cases will not be repeated.