The process of clarifying the fate of the missing has been stalled for years and months, said the British Ambassador to Kosovo, Jonathan Hargreaves. On the International Day of Victims of Enforced Disappearances, he stated that “more must be done immediately.”
At a conference organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the British Embassy, titled “Building Bridges: Advancing Reconciliation, Dialogue, and Citizen Voices – What We Have Learned”, Bajram Qerkinaj was honored for being the voice of all families of the missing.
Ambassador Hargreaves emphasized the UK’s continued commitment to helping Kosovo.
“Over 1,500 people are still missing, and families are still waiting for answers regarding justice, peace, and peace of mind. I am struck by how delicate trust remains across Kosovo, and how fear in many areas still prevents people from testifying. But families have the right to know the fate of their loved ones; they deserve action from us and from the institutions. As the United Kingdom, we remain committed to assisting Kosovo, because all citizens of Kosovo carry the legacy of the conflicts of the 1990s. This is not just about the past but also about the future… I am concerned that progress in determining the fate of the missing has stalled for years and months, and it is not moving as quickly as it should. The UK government continues to raise this issue at the highest levels here and in Serbia—more can and must be done immediately,” he said.
He also paid tribute to Bajram Qerkinaj, noting that he passed away without obtaining information about his son.
“Uncle Bajram never stopped searching for his missing son and became the voice for families across all communities in Kosovo and beyond. I know that his strength and shared grief have inspired many of us for so many years… Uncle Bajram’s voice will be deeply missed. As we mark the International Day of the Missing, let us remember that we all have a profound responsibility to continue his legacy, raise awareness, and encourage institutions in Kosovo and Serbia to work together to remove obstacles and reveal the truth,” he declared.
