Prishtina, 10 December 2021 – The Ombudsperson, Mr. Naim Qelaj participated in the roundtable discussion “International Human Rights Day – Violation of the Right to Know”, organized by the Resource Center for Missing Persons.

The participants discussed about the main human rights violations, pending excavations, Pristina morgue and the law on missing persons.  The representatives of the families of missing persons discussed many issues with panelists present related to missing persons and war crimes.

The Ombudsman, among other things, said that regarding the war crimes and missing persons, the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo have not done enough and this issue should be addressed with priority.

“Information must be revealed about the whereabouts of the missing. Their fate continues to be a hostage of politics. “It must be a comprehensive strategy and involve all parties to resolve this issue,” said Mr. Naim Qelaj.

He also added that for the creation of a democratic society, reconciliation, peace building and sustainable development, it is mandatory for state institutions to document the crimes committed during the war and to enlight the fate of all missing persons.

The meeting was attended by the British Ambassador to Kosovo, Mr. Nicholas Abbott and civil society representatives for the missing and government officials.

Photos by: British Embassy to Pristina