Beyond Ratification: Kosovo's Unique Path to Safeguarding Human Dignity and Fundamental Rights

Abstract

Amidst the ongoing efforts to become a full member of the international community, the Republic of Kosovo applies a temporary yet effective approach for safeguarding human dignity and fundamental rights: providing, via its Constitution, direct applicability to nine notable international human rights instruments, the latest being the Istanbul Convention in 2020. In this paper, we analyze the feasibility of this model and its application in practice. By essentially mirroring UN and CoE human rights standards, the Republic of Kosovo offers a unique case on protecting human rights, while still being a member of neither organization. This fact alone should qualify the state for membership in both.