Serbia Opens Files for Undiscovered

The report says that opening the files on the missing and providing information to such ones would help illuminate the fate of the unscathed.

Shpend Voca, executive director of RIDEA, said the relatively low identification of missing persons in recent years presents a particular concern, while adding that even local and international institutions are responsible for this.

“Both Kosovo and Serbia are obliged to co-operate with the aim of identifying people not found. Kosovo should condition Serbia to open all files and information related to finding these people. Serbia's government's contribution to the issue should be seen as a sign of peace on its part”, Voca said.

He added that there is a perception on the part of citizens that the Serbian state has information for the missing from Kosovo, but that it hides them.

Over 1,000 people from all communities are still missing since the last war in Kosovo.

As for the displaced, Albulen Jaha co-operative in this project stressed that Mitrovica is the region with the highest number of displaced people, with 70,000 of these, have passed from north to South Mitrovica.

“by 2013, 972 homes have been built for returnees. However, it has been reported that only 651 of the total number of homes have been inhabited. There is a general belief that after houses have been acquired, they have been sold or abandoned by their owners”, the RIDEA report said.

The main problems facing displaced persons in Kosovo are mainly related to social and economic integration, such as the availability of public services, income generation opportunities, security and free movement.

Also in the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue, RIDEA sought to be included and discussion of those displaced from Presevo Valley.