The organization “Albanians for America” has called for the opening of Serbia’s military and police archives, arguing that access to the records is essential to determining the fate of around 1,600 people who remain forcibly missing from the Kosovo war and to establishing accountability for victims.
In a recently published opinion, the organization said that nearly three decades after the end of the war, thousands of families are still waiting for answers about their loved ones. Recent investigations in Kalludra e Vogël and Jabukë have further highlighted what it described as the urgent need to investigate war crimes and the alleged systematic concealment of evidence.
“Nearly three decades after the end of the war in Kosovo, around 1,600 people remain forcibly missing, while thousands of families continue to await answers about the fate of their loved ones,” the organization said.
“Albanians for America” argued that while field excavations are important, they alone cannot deliver justice. According to the organization, opening Serbia’s archives could help establish chains of responsibility, identify additional potential mass-grave sites and assist efforts to bring those responsible for war crimes to justice.
“Delayed justice is denied justice. Without truth, accountability and justice for the victims, there can be no lasting peace in the Western Balkans,” the organization said.
The organization said its full opinion has been published in both Albanian and English.
The issue has gained renewed attention in recent days following the discovery of suspected mass-grave locations in the Zubin Potok area. International media, including Al Jazeera citing AFP and Anadolu, have reported that Kosovo authorities have identified a third potential mass-grave site as investigations into alleged war crimes committed during the 1998–1999 Kosovo war continue.
