Serbia continues to refuse to provide Kosovo with access to archives that could aid in locating individuals who disappeared during the war, often at the hands of Serbian forces.
In an interview with Ekonomia Online, Kushtrim Gara, representative of the Governmental Commission for Missing Persons, criticized Serbia’s unwillingness to share archive data, which significantly hinders progress in the search for missing persons.
“Despite the major challenges, including the lack of reliable information resulting from Serbia’s extreme politicization of this process, their unwillingness to provide access to archives, and delays that obstruct evaluations and excavations at marked locations within Serbia, we persist in our efforts,” Gara stated.
Steps Toward Justice Despite Challenges
Gara emphasized that significant strides toward justice and truth have been made through continuous collaboration with the families of missing persons, family associations, institutional support, and contributions from local and international partners.
In 2024, over 33 field operations and activities were conducted, including evaluations of 23 locations in Kosovo. Cooperation with the Institute of Forensic Medicine and the sector for missing persons has enabled steady progress in assessments and searches.
“To ensure better coordination and team functioning, we have maintained regular meetings with the Institute of Forensic Medicine and the Directorate for War Crimes Investigations, focusing on addressing information and conducting necessary field evaluations,” he explained.
Of the 23 excavations conducted, only nine resulted in the discovery of remains. Forensic experts identified 13 individuals, though official confirmation awaits final scientific DNA analysis.
Challenges in Serbia
While necessary evaluations were carried out at locations in Kosovo, Serbia failed to fulfill agreements to allow evaluations at key sites such as Batajnica and Kozarevo. Gara noted that preparations at Kozarevo were postponed to 2025, further stalling the process.
During two meetings, Kosovo’s delegation presented 20 requests for prioritizing cases and accessing archives, including those of the former Yugoslav Army’s 37th and 549th Motorized Brigades. They also called for continued or new assessments at suspected mass grave sites such as Batajnica, Bajina Bašta, and Petrovoselo, as well as investigation of incidents like the Tërnje Massacre, the disappearance of intellectuals, and specific individual cases, including Ukshin Hoti and Sahide Metushi.
Collaboration with International Partners
Despite Serbia’s obstruction, the commission continued its collaboration with international organizations, embassies, and missions in Kosovo, including EULEX, the Red Cross, and other entities. Notable contributions came from the Swiss, British, and U.S. embassies, as well as the EU Office in Kosovo.
Gara reported 38 new identifications in 2024, including 26 victims listed as missing persons.
