The Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Christopher Coleman, visited the newly-established multiethnic Missing Persons Resource Center in Pristina on the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances.

Supported by UNMIK through the Confidence Building Measures Programme, the Resource Center brings together, for the first time, representatives and families of missing persons from all communities in Kosovo. 

During his visit to the Resource Center, DSRSG Coleman reaffirmed UNMIK’s support and emphasized the day’s significance. “Today is a solemn day, and we reflect on all the pain of the families. Our hearts are with you,” he told those gathered. Thanking the representatives of the missing persons’ families from both the Kosovo Albanian and Kosovo Serb communities, DSRSG Coleman emphasized, “When the two of you work together – that’s the most powerful inspiration”.  

The representative of the Kosovo Albanian missing persons’ families, Mr. Bajram Qerkini, thanked the United Nations for the support and expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to establish the Resource Centre. Mr. Qerkini highlighted the good work being done at the Centre, “Where all families whose loved ones are still missing can get together,” he said. 

Likewise, the representative of the Kosovo Serb missing persons’ families, Mr. Milorad Trifunović, expressed his gratitude to the United Nations for its steady and tireless efforts to support all initiatives that could lead to shedding light on the fate of the missing. “This resource centre would not be functional without your help,” Mr. Trifunović stated. 

Their remains more than 1600 people still missing, almost 20 years after the conflict. To see some of the work being done by the Missing Persons Resource Centre in Pristina, and to find out about the stories of those whose lives are blighted by the unknown, watch this short documentary below.

CBMP